10 Cheapest Places to Live in Washington State

When searching for the cheapest places to live in Washington State, affordability can mean different things, whether it’s a lower cost of living or more affordable home prices. 

Washington is generally known for its high living costs, with the state average 17% above the national average. However, there are still cost-effective cities and towns in Washington.

In this article, Kind House Buyers explores the ten cheapest places to live in Washington. These locations offer affordability in various ways, making them great choices for those looking to live comfortably without overspending. We have you covered if you’re looking for a cash buyer in Washington to buy your home. Let’s jump in!

1. Yakima

Yakima tops the list as the cheapest place to live in Washington state, thanks to its low-cost housing and rent prices. With a median home price of $344,937 and an average rent of $750 for a one-bedroom apartment, Yakima is the place to be.

In addition, the cost of living in Yakima is 15% lower than the state average. This makes it one of the most affordable places to call home. 

In terms of the environment, the city enjoys nearly 300 days of sunshine each year, making it an ideal place for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, or visiting the scenic Yakima Greenway. 

Yakima’s economy is strong, with agriculture, healthcare, and education as key industries. The city is also known for its vineyards and orchards, which add to its charm. Older folks also choose Yakima as one of the top places to retire.

Whether you’re looking to sell a home in Yakima or rent, Yakima stands out as one of the best places to live in Washington if you want to stretch your dollar.

2. Moses Lake 

Moses Lake is another great option for those seeking affordable living in Washington. This city, located in east-central Washington, offers a median home price of $366,365. Meanwhile, one-bedroom apartments in this city have an average rent price of $985.

With a cost of living 16% below the state average, Moses Lake offers a perfect blend of budget-friendly housing and a beautiful natural setting.

The city is known for its over 100 miles of shoreline, making it a go-to for boating, fishing, and swimming. Additionally, the city’s economy is diverse, with key industries including agriculture, manufacturing, and retail. 

For anyone looking for a peaceful, affordable place to live with plenty of outdoor activities and a diverse economy, Moses Lake is a top contender.

3. Kelso

If you’re interested in the Washington-Oregon border area, Kelso is the most affordable option. Kelso has a median home price of $389,547 and average one-bedroom rentals of around $1,545.

Kelso’s cost of living is 15.9% lower than the Washington state average, which is cheaper than Yakima. 

The scenic town of Kelso sits alongside the Cowlitz River, making it ideal for many outdoor activities. For those who enjoy learning more about the town’s history, there are historical sites such as Tam O’Shanter Park and the Cowlitz County Historical Museum.

Job opportunities in a calm, rural environment can be found in the city’s economically supportive agricultural and manufacturing industries.

4. Spokane 

Spokane is another cheap city in Washington that offers a mix of urban amenities and affordable living. It has a median home price of $405,072 and an average one-bedroom rent of $999.

If you want to experience city life minus the high costs of larger metropolitan areas, Spokane is an excellent choice. The home price-to-income ratio in Spokane is a low 3.07, making it one of the most cost-effective cities to buy a home.

Spokane is ideal for those who love art, dining, and nature. There are numerous attractions for art lovers, plenty of restaurants to explore, and beautiful parks.

Spokane’s economy is growing due to education, health care, and retail. One of the major employers in the industry is Gonzaga University.

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you will appreciate Spokane’s numerous recreational opportunities, including the popular Riverfront Park and the surrounding lakes and trails.

5. Pasco

Pasco is yet another affordable place to live in Washington, offering a balance of cost and quality of life. The median home price in Pasco is $415,680, while the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,125.

According to Pasco’s July 2024 market data, 23% of homes are selling above the asking price. This shows the market’s strength and the demand for homes. Furthermore, homes are contracted in an average of 18 days.

Pasco is in the Tri-Cities region, an area that is improving economically and has a lot of sunshine. One of the many outdoor activities is the 15-mile Sacagawea Heritage Trail, which runs along the Columbia River.

In addition to outdoor activities, Pasco has a lively, varied economy. There are many employment opportunities in the primary industries of agriculture, retail, and manufacturing.

If a cost of living estimated to be 13% lower than the state average appeals to you, Pasco is a top choice.

6. Walla Walla

Walla Walla, known for its charming atmosphere and vibrant community, is another cheap place to live in Washington. The median home price in the area is $418,750, and the average rent price for a one-bedroom apartment is $910.

Meanwhile, the cost of living in Walla Walla is 14% below the state average and 2% below the national average.

Walla Walla has a beautiful location and offers economical housing options. Walla Walla is popular among wine tourists and is known for its many wineries and vineyards.

Historic downtown Walla Walla is home to many distinct boutiques and eateries, as well as a variety of cultural venues that offer affordable entertainment for all residents.

With a local economy based on agribusiness, education, and healthcare, Walla Walla offers plenty of permanent employment options for its residents.

7. Cheney

Cheney is another great option for budget-friendly housing in Washington. The median home price is $434,408, and the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $825. whcih make it a cost-friendly option.

Cheney is 12% below the state average cost of living, so this little and lovely town is a smart place to live.

Cheney is situated close to the Idaho border. It is well known for its strong sense of community and association with Eastern Washington University. The university is the town’s largest employer, and its presence contributes to the town’s atmosphere.

In Cheney, you can do numerous outdoor recreational activities. There are parks and beautiful trails where you can hike or bike.

If you want to live in a quiet, small town, where you can engage in outdoor recreational activities and have access to a university education, Cheney is the right place for you.

8. Pullman

For those seeking budget-friendly housing in Washington State, Pullman is another option. Being one of the least expensive cities in the state, Pullman boasts a median home price of $487,332 and an average one-bedroom rent of $775.

For students, young professionals, and families, Pullman is a great option due to its living costs well below the state average.

With Washington State University in Pullman, the city has a lively, youthful atmosphere. The city has plenty of local stores and dining options, as well as cultural activities.

In addition to its affordability, Pullman is known for its beautiful landscapes, with rolling hills and plenty of outdoor spaces for hiking, biking, and exploring. 

However, when considering buying a home in the area, it’s important to be aware that some of the more affordable homes may have issues such as a musty smell or mold, which may require extra care and attention.

9. Connell

Nearing the end of our list is Connell, another affordable place to live in Washington that boasts both safety and value. The median home price in Connell is $505,583, and the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,310. 

The cost of living in Connell is impressively 21% lower than the state average and 10% lower than the national average, making it one of the most economical places to live based on living expenses alone.

Connell also has a favorable home price-to-income ratio of 2.3, indicating homes are relatively affordable compared to the area’s average household income.

This small, welcoming community is known for its low crime rate, which is roughly 55% below the national average. 

When it comes to the community, Connell offers a variety of local parks, well-regarded schools, and events that foster a strong sense of togetherness.

10. Auburn

Rounding out our list of the cheapest cities to live in is Auburn, Washington, a city conveniently located between Seattle and Tacoma. 

With a median home price of $609,318 and an average one-bedroom rent of $1,480, Auburn strikes an appealing balance between affordability and suburban comfort. 

Despite housing in Auburn being slightly more expensive than the county to the south’s average, the ease of commuting to major metropolitan cities is a bonus.

Auburn is known as the “Gateway to Mt. Rainier” and offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking and biking. In addition to all of this, the city offers a range of local services and amenities, including parks, golf courses, and shopping facilities.

If these affordable locations have you thinking about a move and you need to sell your current home, be sure to read our guide on selling your home while relocating.