Cost of Living in Lakeland South, WA

Population 12,869 · Washington · Data vintage 2023

152
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Under 25,000 residents gives Lakeland South a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $531,000.

Lakeland South sits roughly 8 miles east of Tacoma — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 17% higher than Tacoma's $455,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 174
Rent 119

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Lakeland South

The median home value in Lakeland South is $530,900 — 74% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,558/month, 19% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $105,273/year is 41% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.8%, 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 61.3°F and lows of 46.1°F, with about 6.3" of annual snowfall. Overall, Lakeland South has a cost of living index of 152 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 52% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$530,900
74% above avg
Median Rent
$1,558/mo
19% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
28.4x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
1.0%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$963
1 BR
$1,018
2 BR
$1,317
3 BR
$1,845
4 BR
$2,071
Owner-occupied 79.0%
Renter-occupied 21.0%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,558
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,172/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
33.2 min
23% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
10.2%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
70.4%
Carpooled
11.3%
Public transit
3.7%
Walked
3.6%
Work from home
10.2%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) None
Total Sales Tax 9.2%
State rate 6.5%
Avg local rate 2.7%
Property Tax 1.0%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$105,273
41% above avg
Per Capita Income
$43,152
Unemployment Rate
5.8%
20% above avg
Poverty Rate
6.2%
Labor Force Participation
68.3%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 17.1%
Graduate degree 8.7%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 39.6
Male median age 39.9
Female median age 38.9

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
61.3°F
Avg Low
46.1°F
Annual Precip
39.3"
Annual Snowfall
6.3"
30° 43° 55° 68° 80° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 485054596671777872615247
Low °F 383840434953575754474137
Precip" 5.783.764.173.181.881.450.600.971.613.916.315.72
Snow" 1.82.20.40.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.21.7

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 46 — Good
58.6%
Good air days/yr
165
Max AQI recorded
273
PM2.5 days
86
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Lakeland South, WA?

Lakeland South has a cost index of 152 (100 = national average). It is 52% above the national average.

What is average rent in Lakeland South, WA?

The median gross rent in Lakeland South is $1,558 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Lakeland South?

The median home value in Lakeland South is $530,900 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Lakeland South?

The median household income in Lakeland South is $105,273 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Lakeland South, WA?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Lakeland South is 9.2%. Washington has no state income tax.

Is Lakeland South, WA affordable?

Lakeland South is above average in cost of living, with an index of 152 — about 52% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Lakeland South?

Lakeland South 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.

Lakeland South at a Glance

Population
12,869
Median Income
$105,273
Home Value
$530,900
Median Rent
$1,558/mo
Unemployment
5.8%
Avg High Temp
61.3°F
Sales Tax
9.2%
View all cities in Washington →
🗺️ County data for Washington

Explore county-level cost of living data

Similar Cost Cities

Cities in other states with comparable housing costs