Cost of Living in Walla Walla, WA
Population 33,766 · Washington · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Walla Walla lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $357,000 — 17% above the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in Washington. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.6% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Walla Walla lies roughly 120 miles southwest of the nearest major metro, Spokane — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 9% higher than Spokane's $326,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Walla Walla
The median home value in Walla Walla is $356,600 — 17% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,176/month, 11% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $65,493/year is 12% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.6%, 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 64.0°F and lows of 44.7°F, with about 6.5" of annual snowfall. Overall, Walla Walla has a cost of living index of 106 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 6% 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 | 42 | 47 | 56 | 63 | 71 | 79 | 90 | 89 | 79 | 63 | 49 | 41 |
| Low °F | 31 | 33 | 38 | 43 | 49 | 55 | 62 | 62 | 54 | 44 | 36 | 30 |
| Precip" | 2.10 | 1.59 | 2.11 | 1.98 | 2.07 | 1.24 | 0.47 | 0.40 | 0.64 | 1.66 | 2.25 | 2.23 |
| Snow" | 1.0 | 2.2 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.3 | 2.7 |
💨 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 Walla Walla, WA?
Walla Walla has a cost index of 106 (100 = national average). It is 6% above the national average.
What is average rent in Walla Walla, WA?
The median gross rent in Walla Walla is $1,176 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Walla Walla?
The median home value in Walla Walla is $356,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Walla Walla?
The median household income in Walla Walla is $65,493 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Walla Walla, WA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Walla Walla is 9.2%. Washington has no state income tax.
Is Walla Walla, WA affordable?
Walla Walla is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 106 (100 = US average).
What is the weather like in Walla Walla?
Walla Walla has average high temperatures of 64.0°F and average lows of 44.7°F. Annual precipitation is 18.7". Average annual snowfall is 6.5". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Walla Walla at a Glance
- Population
- 33,766
- Median Income
- $65,493
- Home Value
- $356,600
- Median Rent
- $1,176/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.6%
- Avg High Temp
- 64.0°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.2%
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Washington Rankings
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