Cost of Living in Lacey, WA
Population 57,088 · Washington · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Lacey lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $428,000 — 40% above the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in Washington.
Located 20 miles southwest of Tacoma, Lacey falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Housing prices track closely with Tacoma's $455,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Lacey
The median home value in Lacey is $427,900 — 40% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,805/month, 37% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $87,277/year is 17% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.1%, above the national average of 4.8%. Washington charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 60.7°F and lows of 40.4°F, with about 3.9" of annual snowfall. Overall, Lacey has a cost of living index of 139 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 39% 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 | 46 | 49 | 54 | 59 | 66 | 71 | 78 | 78 | 72 | 60 | 51 | 45 |
| Low °F | 33 | 32 | 35 | 38 | 43 | 47 | 51 | 51 | 46 | 41 | 36 | 33 |
| Precip" | 7.80 | 5.09 | 5.68 | 3.67 | 2.26 | 1.46 | 0.53 | 0.96 | 2.04 | 5.07 | 8.21 | 7.85 |
| Snow" | 2.0 | 0.6 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.2 |
💨 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 Lacey, WA?
Lacey has a cost index of 139 (100 = national average). It is 39% above the national average.
What is average rent in Lacey, WA?
The median gross rent in Lacey is $1,805 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Lacey?
The median home value in Lacey is $427,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Lacey?
The median household income in Lacey is $87,277 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Lacey, WA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Lacey is 9.2%. Washington has no state income tax.
Is Lacey, WA affordable?
Lacey is above average in cost of living, with an index of 139 — about 39% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Lacey?
Lacey has average high temperatures of 60.7°F and average lows of 40.4°F. Annual precipitation is 50.6". Average annual snowfall is 3.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Lacey at a Glance
- Population
- 57,088
- Median Income
- $87,277
- Home Value
- $427,900
- Median Rent
- $1,805/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.1%
- Avg High Temp
- 60.7°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.2%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Washington Rankings
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