Cost of Living in Yakima, WA
Population 96,810 · Washington · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
The Yakima cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $273,000, rents near $1,075 a month. At 8.0%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Geographically, Yakima lies roughly 95 miles southeast of the nearest major metro, Kent. Median home values run roughly 49% lower than Kent's $538,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Yakima
The median home value in Yakima is $273,400 — 10% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,075/month, 18% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $59,228/year is 21% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.0%, 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 64.3°F and lows of 37.3°F, with about 20.3" of annual snowfall. Overall, Yakima has a cost of living index of 87 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 13% less 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 | 40 | 47 | 57 | 65 | 74 | 81 | 90 | 89 | 79 | 64 | 49 | 38 |
| Low °F | 24 | 26 | 30 | 35 | 44 | 50 | 55 | 53 | 45 | 35 | 27 | 23 |
| Precip" | 1.19 | 0.81 | 0.64 | 0.55 | 0.74 | 0.50 | 0.20 | 0.21 | 0.23 | 0.64 | 0.86 | 1.44 |
| Snow" | 6.2 | 2.7 | 0.6 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 3.0 | 7.7 |
💨 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 Yakima, WA?
Yakima has a cost index of 87 (100 = national average). It is 13% below the national average.
What is average rent in Yakima, WA?
The median gross rent in Yakima is $1,075 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Yakima?
The median home value in Yakima is $273,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Yakima?
The median household income in Yakima is $59,228 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Yakima, WA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Yakima is 9.2%. Washington has no state income tax.
Is Yakima, WA affordable?
Yes, Yakima is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 87 — about 13% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Yakima?
Yakima has average high temperatures of 64.3°F and average lows of 37.3°F. Annual precipitation is 8". Average annual snowfall is 20.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Yakima at a Glance
- Population
- 96,810
- Median Income
- $59,228
- Home Value
- $273,400
- Median Rent
- $1,075/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 64.3°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.2%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Washington Rankings
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