CostIndexUSA

Washington, DC vs Yakima, WA Cost of Living

Data: BEA Regional Price Parities · Census ACS · 2024

DC
Washington
108.9
overall index
$2,325/mo rent
More AffordableWA
Yakima
95.5
overall index
$1,300/mo rent

Yakima is moderately cheaper than Washington — 12.3% lower overall cost of living.

To match an $80,000 salary in Washington, you would need $70,200 in Yakima. Calculate your salary ↓

Category Breakdown

Index values: 100 = U.S. national average. Higher = more expensive.

🏠 Housing52.0%
Washington
151.1
Yakima
72.6
🛒 Groceries≈ Equal
Washington
104.8
Yakima
105
🚗 Transportation2.8%
Washington
107.4
Yakima
104.4
🏥 Healthcare2.8%
Washington
97.2
Yakima
94.5
Utilities13.9%
Washington
106.7
Yakima
91.9

Salary Equivalency Calculator

Enter your current salary in Washington to see what you'd need to earn in Yakima to maintain the same purchasing power.

$
Equivalent salary in Yakima, WA
$70,200
$9,800 less needed in Yakima

Formula: salary × (95.5 ÷ 108.9) = salary × 0.8770. Based on BEA Regional Price Parities.

Housing Market

Washington, DC

Median Home Price
$567,000
Median Monthly Rent
$2,325
Housing Index
151.1
Price-to-Rent Ratio
20.3×

Yakima, WA

Median Home Price
$342,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,300
Housing Index
72.6
Price-to-Rent Ratio
21.9×

Washington has 52.0% lower housing costs compared to Yakima.

Income & Job Market

Washington, DC

Median Household Income
$121,500
Per Capita Income
$69,300
Unemployment Rate
4%
Population
689,545
Top Industries
GovernmentFinanceTechnologyHealthcareDefense

Yakima, WA

Median Household Income
$69,500
Per Capita Income
$39,600
Unemployment Rate
4.7%
Population
92,685
Top Industries
AgricultureHealthcareManufacturingRetailGovernment

Affordability at a Glance

Income-to-rent ratio: higher is better (more income relative to housing costs).

Washington, DC
4.4×income-to-rent ratio

77% of income left after rent (median)

Yakima, WA
4.5×income-to-rent ratio

78% of income left after rent (median)

Data Sources: Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parities 2024; U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS); Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Local Area Unemployment Statistics; Zillow Research.

Cost indices use 100 as the U.S. national average. Values above 100 indicate costs above the national average. Data is updated annually.

This data is for informational purposes only and should not be used as the sole basis for relocation or financial decisions.