Cost of Living in Summit, WA
Population 8,885 · Washington · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Summit a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $480,000. At 6.9%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Geographically, Summit sits roughly 7 miles southeast of Tacoma. 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 Summit
The median home value in Summit is $480,000 — 57% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,460/month, 11% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $107,977/year is 45% 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 59.6°F and lows of 44.3°F. Overall, Summit has a cost of living index of 139 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 39% more expensive.
Summit has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Summit, WA?
Summit has a cost index of 139 (100 = national average). It is 39% above the national average.
What is average rent in Summit, WA?
The median gross rent in Summit is $1,460 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Summit?
The median home value in Summit is $480,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Summit?
The median household income in Summit is $107,977 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Summit, WA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Summit is 9.2%. Washington has no state income tax.
Is Summit, WA affordable?
Summit is above average in cost of living, with an index of 139 — about 39% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Summit?
Summit 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.
Summit at a Glance
- Population
- 8,885
- Median Income
- $107,977
- Home Value
- $480,000
- Median Rent
- $1,460/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.9%
- Avg High Temp
- 59.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.2%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Washington Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs