Tumwater, WA

Above Avg · 125

Washington · Population 26,519 · Updated March 2026

$1,654
Median Rent / Month
$93,635
Median Income
$438,000
Median Home Value
$1,689
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Tumwater

21.2%
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

$19,848
Annual Rent
$0
State Income Tax
$4,030
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Tumwater has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 125 (where 100 equals the national median), Tumwater residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,654/month while earning a median household income of $93,635/year.

The median home value in Tumwater, WA is $438,000, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,689 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 21.2% 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 Tumwater.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Tumwater

What is the cost of living in Tumwater, WA?
The cost of living index in Tumwater, WA is 125 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,654, median household income is $93,635/year, and the median home value is $438,000.
Is Tumwater, WA affordable?
No, Tumwater is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 125. The rent-to-income ratio is 21.2%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Tumwater, WA?
The median gross rent in Tumwater, WA is $1,654 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $19,848.
What is the median household income in Tumwater?
The median household income in Tumwater, WA is $93,635 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.