Cost of Living in Lake Tapps, WA
Population 12,360 · Washington · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Home prices in Lake Tapps run well above the national baseline, with a median of $693,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $145,250 place the city among the better-paid Washington metros. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.9% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Located 11 miles south of Kent, Lake Tapps falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 29% higher than Kent's $538,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Lake Tapps
The median home value in Lake Tapps is $693,300 — 127% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,004/month, 53% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $145,250/year is 95% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.9%, 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 61.3°F and lows of 46.1°F, with about 6.3" of annual snowfall. Overall, Lake Tapps has a cost of living index of 197 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 97% 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 | 48 | 50 | 54 | 59 | 66 | 71 | 77 | 78 | 72 | 61 | 52 | 47 |
| Low °F | 38 | 38 | 40 | 43 | 49 | 53 | 57 | 57 | 54 | 47 | 41 | 37 |
| Precip" | 5.78 | 3.76 | 4.17 | 3.18 | 1.88 | 1.45 | 0.60 | 0.97 | 1.61 | 3.91 | 6.31 | 5.72 |
| Snow" | 1.8 | 2.2 | 0.4 | 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Lake Tapps, WA?
Lake Tapps has a cost index of 197 (100 = national average). It is 97% above the national average.
What is average rent in Lake Tapps, WA?
The median gross rent in Lake Tapps is $2,004 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Lake Tapps?
The median home value in Lake Tapps is $693,300 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Lake Tapps?
The median household income in Lake Tapps is $145,250 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Lake Tapps, WA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Lake Tapps is 9.2%. Washington has no state income tax.
Is Lake Tapps, WA affordable?
Lake Tapps is above average in cost of living, with an index of 197 — about 97% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Lake Tapps?
Lake Tapps has average high temperatures of 61.3°F and average lows of 46.1°F. Annual precipitation is 39.3". Average annual snowfall is 6.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Lake Tapps at a Glance
- Population
- 12,360
- Median Income
- $145,250
- Home Value
- $693,300
- Median Rent
- $2,004/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.9%
- Avg High Temp
- 61.3°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.2%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Washington Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs