Cost of Living in Pullman, WA
Population 31,939 · Washington · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
With a median age of 23 and an unusually high bachelor's-degree rate of 32%, Pullman is shaped heavily by its student population. That also means median household incomes of $45,097 skew low — the count includes students — while working-household figures run considerably higher. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 7.5% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Geographically, Pullman is about 65 miles south of Spokane Valley, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 17% higher than Spokane Valley's $344,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Pullman
The median home value in Pullman is $401,700 — 32% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,010/month, 23% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $45,097/year is 40% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.5%, 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 58.6°F and lows of 38.5°F. Overall, Pullman has a cost of living index of 110 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 10% 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 | 38 | 42 | 49 | 56 | 65 | 72 | 83 | 83 | 74 | 59 | 45 | 37 |
| Low °F | 28 | 29 | 33 | 37 | 44 | 48 | 51 | 50 | 45 | 38 | 33 | 27 |
| Precip" | 2.15 | 1.59 | 1.95 | 1.79 | 1.41 | 1.17 | 0.39 | 0.49 | 0.65 | 1.59 | 2.14 | 2.21 |
💨 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 Pullman, WA?
Pullman has a cost index of 110 (100 = national average). It is 10% above the national average.
What is average rent in Pullman, WA?
The median gross rent in Pullman is $1,010 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Pullman?
The median home value in Pullman is $401,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Pullman?
The median household income in Pullman is $45,097 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Pullman, WA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Pullman is 9.2%. Washington has no state income tax.
Is Pullman, WA affordable?
Pullman is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 110 (100 = US average).
What is the weather like in Pullman?
Pullman has average high temperatures of 58.6°F and average lows of 38.5°F. Annual precipitation is 17.5". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Pullman at a Glance
- Population
- 31,939
- Median Income
- $45,097
- Home Value
- $401,700
- Median Rent
- $1,010/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.5%
- Avg High Temp
- 58.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.2%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Washington Rankings
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