Mountlake Terrace, WA

Very High · 157

Washington · Population 21,419 · Updated March 2026

$1,966
Median Rent / Month
$101,404
Median Income
$606,100
Median Home Value
$1,973
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Mountlake Terrace

23.3%
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

$23,592
Annual Rent
$0
State Income Tax
$5,576
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Mountlake Terrace has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 157 (where 100 equals the national median), Mountlake Terrace residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,966/month while earning a median household income of $101,404/year.

The median home value in Mountlake Terrace, WA is $606,100, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,973 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 23.3% 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 Mountlake Terrace.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Mountlake Terrace

What is the cost of living in Mountlake Terrace, WA?
The cost of living index in Mountlake Terrace, WA is 157 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,966, median household income is $101,404/year, and the median home value is $606,100.
Is Mountlake Terrace, WA affordable?
No, Mountlake Terrace is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 157. The rent-to-income ratio is 23.3%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Mountlake Terrace, WA?
The median gross rent in Mountlake Terrace, WA is $1,966 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $23,592.
What is the median household income in Mountlake Terrace?
The median household income in Mountlake Terrace, WA is $101,404 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.