Cost of Living in Monroe, WA
Population 19,696 · Washington · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing in Monroe sits 95% above the national median — $594,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $107,556 (44% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros.
Located 12 miles southeast of Everett, Monroe falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 12% higher than Everett's $532,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Monroe
The median home value in Monroe is $594,300 — 95% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,902/month, 45% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $107,556/year is 44% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.4%, 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 57.9°F and lows of 44.9°F. Overall, Monroe has a cost of living index of 175 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 75% 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 | 48 | 52 | 56 | 63 | 66 | 72 | 73 | 68 | 58 | 50 | 45 |
| Low °F | 37 | 37 | 39 | 43 | 48 | 51 | 55 | 55 | 52 | 46 | 40 | 36 |
| Precip" | 3.89 | 2.84 | 3.63 | 2.67 | 2.11 | 1.89 | 0.84 | 0.98 | 1.68 | 3.35 | 4.97 | 4.52 |
💨 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 Monroe, WA?
Monroe has a cost index of 175 (100 = national average). It is 75% above the national average.
What is average rent in Monroe, WA?
The median gross rent in Monroe is $1,902 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Monroe?
The median home value in Monroe is $594,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Monroe?
The median household income in Monroe is $107,556 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Monroe, WA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Monroe is 9.2%. Washington has no state income tax.
Is Monroe, WA affordable?
Monroe is above average in cost of living, with an index of 175 — about 75% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Monroe?
Monroe has average high temperatures of 57.9°F and average lows of 44.9°F. Annual precipitation is 33.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Monroe at a Glance
- Population
- 19,696
- Median Income
- $107,556
- Home Value
- $594,300
- Median Rent
- $1,902/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.4%
- Avg High Temp
- 57.9°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.2%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Washington Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs