Auburn, WA

Very High · 138

Washington · Population 85,455 · Updated March 2026

$1,713
Median Rent / Month
$95,367
Median Income
$510,400
Median Home Value
$1,860
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Auburn

21.6%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Affordable
Rent takes less than 25% of median income — considered affordable by HUD standards.

Tax Burden in Washington

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

0%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
6.5%
Sales Tax
0.92%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$20,556
Annual Rent
$0
State Income Tax
$4,696
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Auburn has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 138 (where 100 equals the national median), Auburn residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,713/month while earning a median household income of $95,367/year.

The median home value in Auburn, WA is $510,400, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,860 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 21.6% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.

Washington has no state income tax, which can represent significant savings compared to high-tax states. Combined with a 6.5% sales tax rate and 0.92% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment helps keep costs manageable in Auburn.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Auburn

What is the cost of living in Auburn, WA?
The cost of living index in Auburn, WA is 138 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,713, median household income is $95,367/year, and the median home value is $510,400.
Is Auburn, WA affordable?
No, Auburn is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 138. The rent-to-income ratio is 21.6%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Auburn, WA?
The median gross rent in Auburn, WA is $1,713 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $20,556.
What is the median household income in Auburn?
The median household income in Auburn, WA is $95,367 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in Washington?
Washington has a top income tax rate of 0%, a sales tax of 6.5%, and an effective property tax rate of 0.92%. Notably, there is no state income tax.