Cost of Living in Wenatchee, WA
Population 35,502 · Washington · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Most of Wenatchee's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $70,000 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail.
Located 85 miles east of Bellevue, Wenatchee is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 67% lower than Bellevue's $1.2 million.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Wenatchee
The median home value in Wenatchee is $391,200 — 28% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,194/month, 9% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $70,000/year is 6% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.7%, below the national average of 4.8%. Washington charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 60.6°F and lows of 41.7°F. Overall, Wenatchee has a cost of living index of 113 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 13% 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 | 34 | 42 | 53 | 62 | 72 | 78 | 88 | 86 | 77 | 61 | 44 | 33 |
| Low °F | 24 | 27 | 34 | 40 | 49 | 55 | 62 | 61 | 53 | 41 | 31 | 25 |
| Precip" | 1.02 | 0.76 | 0.73 | 0.57 | 0.77 | 0.50 | 0.24 | 0.23 | 0.23 | 0.62 | 0.85 | 1.31 |
💨 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 Wenatchee, WA?
Wenatchee has a cost index of 113 (100 = national average). It is 13% above the national average.
What is average rent in Wenatchee, WA?
The median gross rent in Wenatchee is $1,194 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Wenatchee?
The median home value in Wenatchee is $391,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Wenatchee?
The median household income in Wenatchee is $70,000 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Wenatchee, WA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Wenatchee is 9.2%. Washington has no state income tax.
Is Wenatchee, WA affordable?
Wenatchee is above average in cost of living, with an index of 113 — about 13% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Wenatchee?
Wenatchee has average high temperatures of 60.6°F and average lows of 41.7°F. Annual precipitation is 7.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Wenatchee at a Glance
- Population
- 35,502
- Median Income
- $70,000
- Home Value
- $391,200
- Median Rent
- $1,194/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.7%
- Avg High Temp
- 60.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.2%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Washington Rankings
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