Cost of Living in Moses Lake, WA
Population 25,594 · Washington · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
The Moses Lake cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $278,000, rents near $1,203 a month. At 6.2%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Geographically, Moses Lake lies roughly 95 miles west of the nearest major metro, Spokane. Median home values run roughly 15% lower than Spokane's $326,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Moses Lake
The median home value in Moses Lake is $278,100 — 9% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,203/month, 8% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $71,854/year is 4% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.2%, 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 62.9°F and lows of 38.9°F. Overall, Moses Lake has a cost of living index of 91 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 9% less 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 | 36 | 44 | 55 | 64 | 74 | 80 | 90 | 88 | 79 | 63 | 46 | 36 |
| Low °F | 24 | 27 | 32 | 37 | 45 | 52 | 57 | 56 | 47 | 37 | 29 | 24 |
| Precip" | 1.02 | 0.65 | 0.73 | 0.65 | 0.72 | 0.73 | 0.26 | 0.15 | 0.26 | 0.66 | 0.87 | 1.11 |
💨 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 Moses Lake, WA?
Moses Lake has a cost index of 91 (100 = national average). It is 9% below the national average.
What is average rent in Moses Lake, WA?
The median gross rent in Moses Lake is $1,203 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Moses Lake?
The median home value in Moses Lake is $278,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Moses Lake?
The median household income in Moses Lake is $71,854 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Moses Lake, WA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Moses Lake is 9.2%. Washington has no state income tax.
Is Moses Lake, WA affordable?
Moses Lake is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 91 (100 = US average).
What is the weather like in Moses Lake?
Moses Lake has average high temperatures of 62.9°F and average lows of 38.9°F. Annual precipitation is 7.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Moses Lake at a Glance
- Population
- 25,594
- Median Income
- $71,854
- Home Value
- $278,100
- Median Rent
- $1,203/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.2%
- Avg High Temp
- 62.9°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.2%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
Washington Rankings
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