Cost of Living in Mountlake Terrace, WA
Population 21,419 · Washington · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Home prices in Mountlake Terrace run well above the national baseline, with a median of $606,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $101,404 place the city among the better-paid Washington metros.
Located 12 miles north of Seattle, Mountlake Terrace falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 34% lower than Seattle's $912,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Mountlake Terrace
The median home value in Mountlake Terrace is $606,100 — 99% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,966/month, 50% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $101,404/year is 36% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.9%, 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 60.8°F and lows of 45.7°F, with about 3.8" of annual snowfall. Overall, Mountlake Terrace has a cost of living index of 179 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 79% 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 | 47 | 50 | 54 | 59 | 65 | 70 | 77 | 77 | 71 | 61 | 52 | 47 |
| Low °F | 37 | 37 | 39 | 43 | 48 | 53 | 57 | 57 | 53 | 47 | 41 | 37 |
| Precip" | 5.14 | 3.54 | 3.86 | 2.98 | 2.16 | 1.57 | 0.78 | 1.00 | 1.74 | 3.65 | 5.85 | 5.55 |
| Snow" | 0.9 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 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 Mountlake Terrace, WA?
Mountlake Terrace has a cost index of 179 (100 = national average). It is 79% above the national average.
What is average rent in Mountlake Terrace, WA?
The median gross rent in Mountlake Terrace is $1,966 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Mountlake Terrace?
The median home value in Mountlake Terrace is $606,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Mountlake Terrace?
The median household income in Mountlake Terrace is $101,404 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Mountlake Terrace, WA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Mountlake Terrace is 9.2%. Washington has no state income tax.
Is Mountlake Terrace, WA affordable?
Mountlake Terrace is above average in cost of living, with an index of 179 — about 79% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Mountlake Terrace?
Mountlake Terrace has average high temperatures of 60.8°F and average lows of 45.7°F. Annual precipitation is 37.8". Average annual snowfall is 3.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Mountlake Terrace at a Glance
- Population
- 21,419
- Median Income
- $101,404
- Home Value
- $606,100
- Median Rent
- $1,966/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.9%
- Avg High Temp
- 60.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.2%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
Washington Rankings
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