Cost of Living in Olympia, WA
Population 55,583 · Washington · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Most of Olympia's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $76,930 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail. At 6.9%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Olympia is about 25 miles southwest of Tacoma, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Housing prices track closely with Tacoma's $455,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Olympia
The median home value in Olympia is $457,900 — 50% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,509/month, 15% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $76,930/year is 3% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.9%, 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 60.7°F and lows of 40.4°F, with about 3.9" of annual snowfall. Overall, Olympia has a cost of living index of 136 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 36% 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 | 49 | 54 | 59 | 66 | 71 | 78 | 78 | 72 | 60 | 51 | 45 |
| Low °F | 33 | 32 | 35 | 38 | 43 | 47 | 51 | 51 | 46 | 41 | 36 | 33 |
| Precip" | 7.80 | 5.09 | 5.68 | 3.67 | 2.26 | 1.46 | 0.53 | 0.96 | 2.04 | 5.07 | 8.21 | 7.85 |
| Snow" | 2.0 | 0.6 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.2 |
💨 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 Olympia, WA?
Olympia has a cost index of 136 (100 = national average). It is 36% above the national average.
What is average rent in Olympia, WA?
The median gross rent in Olympia is $1,509 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Olympia?
The median home value in Olympia is $457,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Olympia?
The median household income in Olympia is $76,930 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Olympia, WA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Olympia is 9.2%. Washington has no state income tax.
Is Olympia, WA affordable?
Olympia is above average in cost of living, with an index of 136 — about 36% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Olympia?
Olympia has average high temperatures of 60.7°F and average lows of 40.4°F. Annual precipitation is 50.6". Average annual snowfall is 3.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Olympia at a Glance
- Population
- 55,583
- Median Income
- $76,930
- Home Value
- $457,900
- Median Rent
- $1,509/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.9%
- Avg High Temp
- 60.7°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.2%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Washington Rankings
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