Remote work has completely altered the way many of us think about where to live. For years, people have moved to big cities, believing only working near big employers was the way to create a career. But with the rise of flexible work, that all changed. Now, your “office” can be your kitchen table, a sunlit patio, or a peaceful café in a small-town miles away from any corporate tower.
With that type of independence comes a new philosophy about home. Instead of paying outrageous rents for an apartment within a stone’s throw of downtown, more and more individuals are looking for places where the cost of life is affordable and the quality of life is good. For most, that means trading high-priced city apartments for less-expensive houses sometimes with mortgages of half their former rent in areas where there is space to breathe, proximity to nature, and peace of mind.
Washington State is also known to be pricey due to locations such as Seattle and Bellevue. And, yes, those are not inexpensive areas. But outside of the tech universes, Washington features a whole bunch of bargain towns and cities where your paycheck stretches much farther and your life gets better.
Why Washington Can Be Surprisingly Affordable
Seattle’s cost-of-living is 151, with a one-bedroom renting for $2,170 a month and houses for about $880,000. Those prices may deter cost-conscious individuals, but they’re only half the story. Washington also boasts one of the nation’s largest financial windfalls: no state income tax. That means you get to keep more of your money, whether you’re an engineer at a software firm, an entrepreneur, or a freelancer.
For remote employees, the fact that there is no income tax and the potential to reside in a lower-cost region makes serious financial wiggle room. Rather than having a huge chunk of your paycheck go toward rent, spending that money on debt repayment, retirement savings, or just living is possible.
Cities That Have Affordable Costs and Amenities
1. Spokane: Inexpensive and Lush with Charm
Spokane is also the most affordable urban part of Washington, with a 97 cost of living index, under the national average. One-bedroom apartment rent is an average $1,210, and median house values are $390,000. Spokane offers an active arts scene, easy access to skiing and hiking, and above-average healthcare. It’s perfect for families, retirees, and remote workers who desire the city amenities without the cost.
2. Tacoma: Seattle’s More Affordable Neighbour
At 106, Tacoma is cheaper than Seattle but retains the waterfront, an active downtown, and close proximity to Puget Sound. Rent runs $1,540, and houses are around $510,000. With some higher-crime neighborhoods, most provide an excellent combination of value and quality of life.
3. Olympia: Balanced and Relaxed
The cost-of-living index in the capital city is 101, with rent being $1,420 and home prices at around $485,000. It’s famous for its laid-back lifestyle, active arts community, and proximity to nature. For government workers, artists, and those loving the small-town feeling, Olympia is a treasure.
4. Bellingham: Coastal College Town
Bellingham pairs ocean vistas, mountain proximity, and walkability to downtown. With a cost index of 109, it’s more expensive than some, but most find the views and lifestyle worth it. Rentals are around $1,600, and homes around $610,000.
5. Vancouver: Near Portland, No Oregon Taxes
Vancouver is a stone’s throw across the Columbia River from Portland, Oregon. It boasts a cost index of 99, and $1,450 rents and $470,000 houses to prove it. Citizens work or play in Portland but don’t pay Oregon state income tax a smart money move to accumulate savings.
6. Yakima: Low Cost and Plenty of Sunshine
Yakima boasts the cheapest cost of living among Washington cities, at 89. A rent for a one-bedroom apartment is just $960, and houses average $295,000. Farming is the primary industry, it gets more than 300 days of sunshine per year, and the pace of life is slower and cheaper.
The Numbers: How Much You Can Save
In Seattle, alone the rent can be more than $2,170 per month, the food is $460, utilities $240, and transport a bit over $190. In Spokane, the same items cost $1,210 for rent, $360 for food, and $180 for utilities. In Yakima, the difference is even more pronounced, with a rent of less than $1,000 and lower charges in general.
Those variations rack up quickly usually to thousands of dollars annually. That money can mean earlier retirement, more vacations, or just less concern about how to pay the bills.
Outside the Cities: Washington’s Hidden Gems
Wonderful-sounding cheap cities are great, but Washington’s smaller cities have even larger cost benefits and a sense of community that is difficult to find in bigger cities.
Forks
Famous for rain and being close to Olympic National Park, Forks is 16% lower than the state cost of living. It’s ideal for individuals who love quiet living and the outdoors.
Westport
This coastal town provides a serene life by the ocean, with a living cost 15% less than the state average. It’s ideal for individuals who love ocean views daily or retirees.
Montesano
A low-cost, safe town halfway between Olympia and the coast, Montesano is small-town America without loneliness.
The Tri-Cities (Kennewick, Pasco, Richland)
Collectively, the cities are sunny, vibrant, and 15% lower than the state average. They have river parks, trails, and a genuine sense of community.
Eastern Washington Bargains
Millwood, outside of Spokane, offers city amenities with small-town living. Chewelah, a one-hour drive to the north, is 22% under the state average and boasts its own ski resort a skier’s dream.
Central Washington Treasures
Cashmere is 10% under average in terms of pricing and provides easy access to Leavenworth and Wenatchee. Ellensburg, 12% less expensive, is halfway across the state and provides a great home base for access to both mountains and cities. Selah, close to Yakima, is inexpensive and provides great weather for gardening and farming.
Wine Country and Farmland Living
Walla Walla combines value (18% less than state average) with wine country charm. Fresh fruit stands, old structures, and hometown festivities draw those seeking culture without expensive tag.
Senior-Friendly and Budget-Conscious Towns
Centralia, half way between Portland and Seattle, is 15% below average in cost and has a close-in community atmosphere. Sequim has anomalously sunny weather for western Washington and has modestly priced homes. Port Townsend, with its Victorian homes and arts community, has beauty and history without the luxury cost. Omak in the Okanogan Valley is rural, peaceful, and extremely low-cost.
College Town and Orchard Country
Pullman, which is the home of Washington State University, provides affordable housing and cultural advantages. Wenatchee, the “Apple Capital of the World,” provides low housing costs and breathtaking vistas. Colville, in the northeastern corner of the state, has some of the lowest housing costs in the state and an endless supply of free outdoor recreation.
Making the Move
Selecting an appropriate location in Washington isn’t all about securing maximum rent. It’s about matching your finances with your lifestyle. For teleworkers, the absence of state income tax and the range of inexpensive communities further adds to the appeal of Washington.
Whether it’s the sunshine of Yakima, ocean scenery of Westport, or Spokane balance of price and amenities, the choices are broad. With working from home, you needn’t compromise to live in a pricey city. You can flourish in a location with financial independence combined with improved quality of life.
