Cost of Living in Puyallup, WA
Population 42,642 · Washington · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Most of Puyallup's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $95,639 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail.
Geographically, Puyallup sits roughly 9 miles southeast of Tacoma. Median home values run roughly 12% higher than Tacoma's $455,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Puyallup
The median home value in Puyallup is $507,000 — 66% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,750/month, 33% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $95,639/year is 28% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.3%, 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 59.6°F and lows of 44.3°F. Overall, Puyallup has a cost of living index of 153 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 53% 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 | 53 | 58 | 65 | 70 | 76 | 76 | 70 | 59 | 51 | 46 |
| Low °F | 36 | 37 | 39 | 41 | 47 | 51 | 54 | 54 | 51 | 46 | 40 | 36 |
| Precip" | 6.06 | 4.11 | 4.63 | 3.39 | 2.08 | 1.36 | 0.68 | 0.86 | 1.54 | 4.32 | 7.18 | 5.81 |
💨 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 Puyallup, WA?
Puyallup has a cost index of 153 (100 = national average). It is 53% above the national average.
What is average rent in Puyallup, WA?
The median gross rent in Puyallup is $1,750 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Puyallup?
The median home value in Puyallup is $507,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Puyallup?
The median household income in Puyallup is $95,639 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Puyallup, WA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Puyallup is 9.2%. Washington has no state income tax.
Is Puyallup, WA affordable?
Puyallup is above average in cost of living, with an index of 153 — about 53% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Puyallup?
Puyallup has average high temperatures of 59.6°F and average lows of 44.3°F. Annual precipitation is 42". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Puyallup at a Glance
- Population
- 42,642
- Median Income
- $95,639
- Home Value
- $507,000
- Median Rent
- $1,750/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.3%
- Avg High Temp
- 59.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.2%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Washington Rankings
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