Cost of Living in White Center, WA
Population 15,017 · Washington · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Home prices in White Center run well above the national baseline, with a median of $592,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $82,500 place the city among the better-paid Washington metros.
Located 7 miles west of Renton, White Center falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Housing prices track closely with Renton's $631,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in White Center
The median home value in White Center is $591,500 — 94% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,556/month, 18% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $82,500/year is 11% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.4%, 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 61.6°F and lows of 46.0°F. Overall, White Center has a cost of living index of 164 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 64% 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 | 49 | 51 | 55 | 60 | 67 | 71 | 77 | 77 | 72 | 61 | 53 | 48 |
| Low °F | 37 | 37 | 39 | 44 | 49 | 54 | 58 | 58 | 54 | 46 | 40 | 36 |
| Precip" | 5.21 | 3.71 | 3.94 | 2.89 | 1.98 | 1.22 | 0.56 | 0.83 | 1.37 | 3.49 | 5.80 | 5.49 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in White Center, WA?
White Center has a cost index of 164 (100 = national average). It is 64% above the national average.
What is average rent in White Center, WA?
The median gross rent in White Center is $1,556 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in White Center?
The median home value in White Center is $591,500 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in White Center?
The median household income in White Center is $82,500 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in White Center, WA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in White Center is 9.2%. Washington has no state income tax.
Is White Center, WA affordable?
White Center is above average in cost of living, with an index of 164 — about 64% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in White Center?
White Center has average high temperatures of 61.6°F and average lows of 46.0°F. Annual precipitation is 36.5". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
White Center at a Glance
- Population
- 15,017
- Median Income
- $82,500
- Home Value
- $591,500
- Median Rent
- $1,556/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.4%
- Avg High Temp
- 61.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.2%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Washington Rankings
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