Cost of Living in West Richland, WA

Population 17,126 · Washington · Data vintage 2023

128
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Under 25,000 residents gives West Richland a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $404,000.

Geographically, West Richland lies roughly 130 miles southwest of the nearest major metro, Spokane. Median home values run roughly 24% higher than Spokane's $326,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 133
Rent 120

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in West Richland

The median home value in West Richland is $404,300 — 33% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,577/month, 20% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $118,056/year is 58% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.6%, 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 66.3°F and lows of 40.4°F. Overall, West Richland has a cost of living index of 128 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 28% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$404,300
33% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$488,658
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,577/mo
20% above avg
Zillow Rent
$1,933/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
21.4x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
1.0%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$963
1 BR
$1,018
2 BR
$1,317
3 BR
$1,845
4 BR
$2,071
Owner-occupied 84.2%
Renter-occupied 15.8%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,577
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,191/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
26.4 min
2% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
16.1%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
71.7%
Carpooled
9.1%
Public transit
0.6%
Walked
0.6%
Bicycle
0.4%
Work from home
16.1%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) None
Total Sales Tax 9.2%
State rate 6.5%
Avg local rate 2.7%
Property Tax 1.0%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$118,056
58% above avg
Per Capita Income
$44,236
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
5% below avg
Poverty Rate
7.2%
Labor Force Participation
65.9%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 25.2%
Graduate degree 14.3%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 35.5
Male median age 35.3
Female median age 35.6

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
66.3°F
Avg Low
40.4°F
Annual Precip
7.6"
20° 40° 60° 80° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 414959677783939181665041
Low °F 282833384653575648383227
Precip" 1.030.630.690.660.710.610.150.270.310.660.871.03

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 41 — Good
71.8%
Good air days/yr
261
Max AQI recorded
228
PM2.5 days
117
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in West Richland, WA?

West Richland has a cost index of 128 (100 = national average). It is 28% above the national average.

What is average rent in West Richland, WA?

The median gross rent in West Richland is $1,577 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in West Richland?

The median home value in West Richland is $404,300 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in West Richland?

The median household income in West Richland is $118,056 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in West Richland, WA?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in West Richland is 9.2%. Washington has no state income tax.

Is West Richland, WA affordable?

West Richland is above average in cost of living, with an index of 128 — about 28% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in West Richland?

West Richland has average high temperatures of 66.3°F and average lows of 40.4°F. Annual precipitation is 7.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

West Richland at a Glance

Population
17,126
Median Income
$118,056
Home Value
$404,300
Median Rent
$1,577/mo
Unemployment
4.6%
Avg High Temp
66.3°F
Sales Tax
9.2%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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