Cost of Living in Kirkland, WA
Population 91,614 · Washington · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Kirkland's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $1 million for a typical home, 235% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $143,533 that put it in the upper third of the state.
Geographically, Kirkland sits roughly 7 miles northwest of Bellevue. Median home values run roughly 15% lower than Bellevue's $1.2 million.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Kirkland
The median home value in Kirkland is $1,022,500 — 235% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,342/month, 78% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $143,533/year is 92% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.6%, below the national average of 4.8%. Washington charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 60.8°F and lows of 45.7°F, with about 3.8" of annual snowfall. Overall, Kirkland has a cost of living index of 272 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 172% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 47 | 50 | 54 | 59 | 65 | 70 | 77 | 77 | 71 | 61 | 52 | 47 |
| Low °F | 37 | 37 | 39 | 43 | 48 | 53 | 57 | 57 | 53 | 47 | 41 | 37 |
| Precip" | 5.14 | 3.54 | 3.86 | 2.98 | 2.16 | 1.57 | 0.78 | 1.00 | 1.74 | 3.65 | 5.85 | 5.55 |
| Snow" | 0.9 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 1.7 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Kirkland, WA?
Kirkland has a cost index of 272 (100 = national average). It is 172% above the national average.
What is average rent in Kirkland, WA?
The median gross rent in Kirkland is $2,342 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Kirkland?
The median home value in Kirkland is $1,022,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Kirkland?
The median household income in Kirkland is $143,533 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Kirkland, WA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Kirkland is 9.2%. Washington has no state income tax.
Is Kirkland, WA affordable?
Kirkland is above average in cost of living, with an index of 272 — about 172% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Kirkland?
Kirkland has average high temperatures of 60.8°F and average lows of 45.7°F. Annual precipitation is 37.8". Average annual snowfall is 3.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Kirkland at a Glance
- Population
- 91,614
- Median Income
- $143,533
- Home Value
- $1,022,500
- Median Rent
- $2,342/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.6%
- Avg High Temp
- 60.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.2%
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Washington Rankings
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