- Washington has a cost of living average high above the national average.
- Taxes, fees, and the cost of goods rack up bills quickly.
- While the state ranks highly for its aggressive monetary policies, it’s not the worst.
Scenic, innovative, progressive: those three words are what comes to mind first when I think about Washington State. But apparently I need to add one more word to that list: expensive.
Where does Washington State rank in the cost of living?
The truth is, Washington State is the eighth highest in the United States when it comes to the cost of living. According to 610 KONA, our average monthly bill is $400 higher than the national average. Washington also has one of the highest grocery bills in the nation.
Is Washington State “robbing you blind”?
YouTube creator and podcaster World According to Briggs looked at the financial data for each of the states and compiled a list of the 10 states that will rob you blind. The data they looked at, in addition to the cost of living, was:
- real estate prices
- taxes
- traffic ticket fees
- parking ticket fees
- car registration fees
“It’s like at some point these states forgot that they work for the people.” – World According to Briggs
It’s probably no surprise that Washington ranked on the list, given our cost of living. But instead of #8 – which would match with the data – Washington came in at #5.
Why Washington was ranked #5 in most expensive states
World According to Briggs offered the following insight when it comes to Washington’s place on their list:
- The median home price in the state is $615,412
- One of the highest sales taxes in the nation, due to a lack of state income tax
- High infraction fees
- A high average tax burden at 8.4%
To live comfortably, they argue, your average yearly income needs to be about $123,625 ($250,000 in Seattle). Pardon me a moment while I weep at my paycheck.
While they didn’t mention it, another problem is gas prices: we’re the third most expensive in the country.
What states ranked higher than Washington for living expenses?
World According to Briggs rated these next states higher than Washington, so at least you know we’re not the most expensive in the lower 48…