Cost of Living in Mercer Island, WA
Population 25,282 · Washington · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing prices in Mercer Island cluster toward the top of the US distribution — a median of $1.9 million, roughly 6 times the national figure, consistent with markets dominated by nonresident and vacation-home buyers. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.5% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Located <5 miles southwest of Bellevue, Mercer Island falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 57% higher than Bellevue's $1.2 million.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Mercer Island
The median home value in Mercer Island is $1,884,200 — 518% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,464/month, 88% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $202,359/year is 171% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.5%, 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 61.6°F and lows of 46.0°F. Overall, Mercer Island has a cost of living index of 446 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 346% 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 | 49 | 51 | 55 | 60 | 67 | 71 | 77 | 77 | 72 | 61 | 53 | 48 |
| Low °F | 37 | 37 | 39 | 44 | 49 | 54 | 58 | 58 | 54 | 46 | 40 | 36 |
| Precip" | 5.21 | 3.71 | 3.94 | 2.89 | 1.98 | 1.22 | 0.56 | 0.83 | 1.37 | 3.49 | 5.80 | 5.49 |
💨 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 Mercer Island, WA?
Mercer Island has a cost index of 446 (100 = national average). It is 346% above the national average.
What is average rent in Mercer Island, WA?
The median gross rent in Mercer Island is $2,464 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Mercer Island?
The median home value in Mercer Island is $1,884,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Mercer Island?
The median household income in Mercer Island is $202,359 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Mercer Island, WA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Mercer Island is 9.2%. Washington has no state income tax.
Is Mercer Island, WA affordable?
Mercer Island is above average in cost of living, with an index of 446 — about 346% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Mercer Island?
Mercer Island has average high temperatures of 61.6°F and average lows of 46.0°F. Annual precipitation is 36.5". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Mercer Island at a Glance
- Population
- 25,282
- Median Income
- $202,359
- Home Value
- $1,884,200
- Median Rent
- $2,464/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.5%
- Avg High Temp
- 61.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.2%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Washington Rankings
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