Below is a detailed ranking of the top 28 cities to live in Washington State, based on factors such as budget and affordability, housing options, job prospects, transportation, healthcare access, schools, safety, cultural fit, amenities, and overall cost of living. This list is curated to reflect a mix of urban, suburban, and smaller-town options, balancing desirability with practical livability metrics. Note that exact rankings can shift based on real-time data, but this provides a comprehensive snapshot optimized to live in Washington State," "affordable housing Washington," and "Washington State job market."

Methodology

Rankings are based on a blend of recent data from sources like Redfin, Niche, and local government sites, considering:

• Budget/Affordability: Median home prices, rent, and cost of living index (relative to the U.S. average of 100).
• Housing Options: Availability of homes, apartments, and rentals.
• Job Prospects: Unemployment rates, key industries, and median income.
• Transportation: Public transit, commute times, and walkability.
• Healthcare Access: Proximity to hospitals and clinics.
• Schools: Quality of public school districts (if applicable).
• Safety: Crime rates compared to state/national averages.
• Cultural Fit: Diversity, arts, and community vibe.
• Amenities: Parks, restaurants, and entertainment.
• Cost of Living: Overall expenses including utilities, groceries, and taxes.

Top 28 Cities to Live in Washington State

1. Seattle

• Budget/Affordability: High cost of living (145% of U.S. average). Median home price: ~$830,000; 1-bedroom rent: ~$2,200.
• Housing Options: Diverse—condos, townhouses, and apartments in neighborhoods like Capitol Hill and Ballard.
• Job Prospects: Tech hub (Amazon, Microsoft), median income ~$105,000, unemployment ~3.5%.
• Transportation: Excellent public transit (Link light rail, buses), though traffic is heavy. King County Metro.
• Healthcare Access: Top-tier hospitals like UW Medical Center.
• Schools: Seattle Public Schools rank well, with strong STEM programs.
• Safety: Moderate crime rates, safer in areas like Queen Anne.
• Cultural Fit: Vibrant, diverse, artsy (e.g., Seattle Art Museum).
• Amenities: Pike Place Market, Space Needle, waterfront parks.
• Overall Cost of Living: Expensive but offset by high wages.

2. Bellevue

• Budget/Affordability: Cost of living ~140% of U.S. average. Median home price: ~$1.2M; rent: ~$2,500.
• Housing Options: Upscale homes, luxury apartments near downtown.
• Job Prospects: Tech-heavy (Microsoft, T-Mobile), median income ~$130,000.
• Transportation: Bus system, growing light rail. Sound Transit.
• Healthcare Access: Overlake Medical Center.
• Schools: Bellevue School District is top-rated.
• Safety: Very low crime rates.
• Cultural Fit: Cosmopolitan, family-friendly.
• Amenities: Bellevue Downtown Park, shopping malls.
• Overall Cost of Living: High, but strong job market justifies it.

3. Redmond

• Budget/Affordability: Cost of living ~135%. Median home price: ~$1M; rent: ~$2,000.
• Housing Options: Modern apartments, single-family homes.
• Job Prospects: Microsoft HQ, tech jobs aplenty, median income ~$113,000.
• Transportation: Bike-friendly, bus access to Seattle.
• Healthcare Access: EvergreenHealth.
• Schools: Lake Washington School District excels.
• Safety: Extremely safe.
• Cultural Fit: Tech-savvy, outdoor-oriented.
• Amenities: Marymoor Park.
• Overall Cost of Living: Pricey but affordable with tech salaries.

4. Tacoma

• Budget/Affordability: More affordable at ~115% of U.S. average. Median home price: ~$470,000; rent: ~$1,600.
• Housing Options: Historic homes, apartments near downtown.
• Job Prospects: Healthcare, military (JBLM), median income ~$65,000.
• Transportation: Light rail, buses, I-5 access.
• Healthcare Access: MultiCare Tacoma General.
• Schools: Tacoma Public Schools are decent.
• Safety: Higher crime than suburbs but improving.
• Cultural Fit: Artsy, gritty charm.
• Amenities: Point Defiance Park.
• Overall Cost of Living: Budget-friendly for a city.

5. Spokane

• Budget/Affordability: Cost of living ~103%. Median home price: ~$385,000; rent: ~$1,200.
• Housing Options: Affordable homes, apartments in revitalized areas.
• Job Prospects: Healthcare, education, median income ~$57,000.
• Transportation: Spokane Transit Authority buses.
• Healthcare Access: Providence Sacred Heart.
• Schools: Spokane Public Schools are solid.
• Safety: Moderate crime, safer in suburbs.
• Cultural Fit: Outdoorsy, community-focused.
• Amenities: Riverfront Park.
• Overall Cost of Living: Very affordable.

6. Vancouver

• Budget/Affordability: Cost of living ~110%. Median home price: ~$500,000; rent: ~$1,600.
• Housing Options: Homes near Columbia River, apartments downtown.
• Job Prospects: Healthcare, proximity to Portland, median income ~$65,000.
• Transportation: C-TRAN buses, easy Portland access.
• Healthcare Access: PeaceHealth Southwest.
• Schools: Vancouver School District is average.
• Safety: Relatively safe.
• Cultural Fit: Laid-back, nature-loving.
• Amenities: Vancouver Waterfront.
• Overall Cost of Living: Affordable with urban perks.

7. Olympia

• Budget/Affordability: Cost of living ~115%. Median home price: ~$550,000; rent: ~$1,550.
• Housing Options: Historic homes, modern rentals.
• Job Prospects: Government jobs, median income ~$65,000.
• Transportation: Intercity Transit, walkable downtown.
• Healthcare Access: Providence St. Peter.
• Schools: Olympia School District is strong.
• Safety: Low crime rates.
• Cultural Fit: Progressive, artsy.
• Amenities: Capitol Lake.
• Overall Cost of Living: Moderate.

8. Bellingham

• Budget/Affordability: Cost of living ~115%. Median home price: ~$600,000; rent: ~$1,600.
• Housing Options: Homes near waterfront, student rentals.
• Job Prospects: Education (WWU), median income ~$60,000.
• Transportation: WTA buses, bike-friendly.
• Healthcare Access: PeaceHealth St. Joseph.
• Schools: Bellingham School District is good.
• Safety: Safe, small-city feel.
• Cultural Fit: Hip, outdoorsy.
• Amenities: Whatcom Falls Park.
• Overall Cost of Living: Reasonable.

9. Kirkland

• Budget/Affordability: Cost of living ~130%. Median home price: ~$1.1M; rent: ~$2,200.
• Housing Options: Waterfront homes, condos.
• Job Prospects: Tech, retail, median income ~$120,000.
• Transportation: Bus access, near Seattle.
• Healthcare Access: EvergreenHealth Kirkland.
• Schools: Lake Washington School District shines.
• Safety: Very safe.
• Cultural Fit: Upscale, family-oriented.
• Amenities: Juanita Beach Park.
• Overall Cost of Living: High but luxurious.

10. Renton

• Budget/Affordability: Cost of living ~125%. Median home price: ~$650,000; rent: ~$1,900.
• Housing Options: Affordable homes, new apartments.
• Job Prospects: Boeing, tech, median income ~$80,000.
• Transportation: Bus routes, I-405 access.
• Healthcare Access: Valley Medical Center.
• Schools: Renton School District is improving.
• Safety: Moderate safety.
• Cultural Fit: Diverse, growing.
• Amenities: Gene Coulon Park.
• Overall Cost of Living: Mid-range.

11. Kennewick

• Budget/Affordability: Cost of living ~99%. Median home price: ~$430,000; rent: ~$1,350.
• Housing Options: Affordable homes in Tri-Cities.
• Job Prospects: Healthcare, agriculture, median income ~$64,000.
• Transportation: Limited public transit, car-dependent.
• Healthcare Access: Trios Health.
• Schools: Kennewick School District is average.
• Safety: Safe, low crime.
• Cultural Fit: Family-friendly, practical.
• Amenities: Columbia Park.
• Overall Cost of Living: Very affordable.

12. Richland

• Budget/Affordability: Cost of living ~100%. Median home price: ~$450,000; rent: ~$1,500.
• Housing Options: Modern homes, apartments.
• Job Prospects: Research (PNNL), median income ~$80,000.
• Transportation: Car-centric, some bus options.
• Healthcare Access: Kadlec Regional Medical Center.
• Schools: Richland School District is strong.
• Safety: Very safe.
• Cultural Fit: Science-oriented, outdoorsy.
• Amenities: Howard Amon Park.
• Overall Cost of Living: Budget-friendly.

13. Pasco

• Budget/Affordability: Cost of living ~98%. Median home price: ~$400,000; rent: ~$1,300.
• Housing Options: Affordable housing in Tri-Cities.
• Job Prospects: Agriculture, logistics, median income ~$65,000.
• Transportation: Car-dependent, limited transit.
• Healthcare Access: Lourdes Medical Center.
• Schools: Pasco School District is average.
• Safety: Moderate safety.
• Cultural Fit: Diverse, working-class.
• Amenities: Sacajawea State Park.
• Overall Cost of Living: Low.

14. Everett

• Budget/Affordability: Cost of living ~120%. Median home price: ~$600,000; rent: ~$1,800.
• Housing Options: Homes, apartments near waterfront.
• Job Prospects: Aerospace (Boeing), median income ~$70,000.
• Transportation: Bus system, Amtrak access.
• Healthcare Access: Providence Regional Medical Center.
• Schools: Everett Public Schools are decent.
• Safety: Moderate crime.
• Cultural Fit: Industrial, nautical vibe.
• Amenities: Jetty Island.
• Overall Cost of Living: Manageable.

15. Mercer Island

• Budget/Affordability: Cost of living ~150%. Median home price: ~$1.5M; rent: ~$2,800.
• Housing Options: Luxury homes, few rentals.
• Job Prospects: Commuter hub to Seattle, median income ~$150,000.
• Transportation: I-90 bridge, limited transit.
• Healthcare Access: Nearby Seattle facilities.
• Schools: Mercer Island School District is elite.
• Safety: Extremely safe.
• Cultural Fit: Wealthy, serene.
• Amenities: Luther Burbank Park.
• Overall Cost of Living: Very high.

16. Bainbridge Island

• Budget/Affordability: Cost of living ~140%. Median home price: ~$1M; rent: ~$2,200.
• Housing Options: Waterfront homes, cozy rentals.
• Job Prospects: Commuter-friendly, median income ~$120,000.
• Transportation: Ferry to Seattle, walkable.
• Healthcare Access: Nearby St. Michael Medical Center.
• Schools: Bainbridge Island School District is top-notch.
• Safety: Very safe.
• Cultural Fit: Artsy, island lifestyle.
• Amenities: Bloedel Reserve.
• Overall Cost of Living: High but idyllic.

17. Pullman

• Budget/Affordability: Cost of living ~95%. Median home price: ~$400,000; rent: ~$1,200.
• Housing Options: Affordable homes, student rentals.
• Job Prospects: Education (WSU), median income ~$50,000.
• Transportation: Car-dependent, some buses.
• Healthcare Access: Pullman Regional Hospital.
• Schools: Pullman School District is good.
• Safety: Safe, college-town vibe.
• Cultural Fit: Academic, rural charm.
• Amenities: Lawson Gardens.
• Overall Cost of Living: Low.

18. Walla Walla

• Budget/Affordability: Cost of living ~100%. Median home price: ~$400,000; rent: ~$1,400.
• Housing Options: Historic homes, affordable rentals.
• Job Prospects: Agriculture, education, median income ~$55,000.
• Transportation: Car-centric, walkable downtown.
• Healthcare Access: Providence St. Mary.
• Schools: Walla Walla Public Schools are solid.
• Safety: Safe, small-town feel.
• Cultural Fit: Wine country, relaxed.
• Amenities: Pioneer Park.
• Overall Cost of Living: Affordable.

19. Yakima

• Budget/Affordability: Cost of living ~90%. Median home price: ~$350,000; rent: ~$960.
• Housing Options: Cheap homes, apartments.
• Job Prospects: Agriculture, healthcare, median income ~$48,000.
• Transportation: Limited transit, car needed.
• Healthcare Access: Yakima Valley Memorial.
• Schools: Yakima School District is average.
• Safety: Moderate crime.
• Cultural Fit: Rural, diverse.
• Amenities: Yakima Greenway.
• Overall Cost of Living: Very low.

20. Bremerton

• Budget/Affordability: Cost of living ~110%. Median home price: ~$450,000; rent: ~$1,600.
• Housing Options: Affordable homes, waterfront rentals.
• Job Prospects: Naval base, median income ~$60,000.
• Transportation: Ferry to Seattle, buses.
• Healthcare Access: St. Michael Medical Center.
• Schools: Bremerton School District is average.
• Safety: Moderate safety.
• Cultural Fit: Nautical, hip.
• Amenities: Illchee State Park.
• Overall Cost of Living: Reasonable.

21. Auburn

• Budget/Affordability: Cost of living ~120%. Median home price: ~$580,000; rent: ~$1,800.
• Housing Options: Homes, apartments near Seattle.
• Job Prospects: Manufacturing, retail, median income ~$80,000.
• Transportation: Sounder train, buses.
• Healthcare Access: MultiCare Auburn Medical Center.
• Schools: Auburn School District is good.
• Safety: Moderate crime.
• Cultural Fit: Suburban, diverse.
• Amenities: White River Valley Museum.
• Overall Cost of Living: Mid-range.

22. Camas

• Budget/Affordability: Cost of living ~125%. Median home price: ~$700,000; rent: ~$2,600.
• Housing Options: Family homes, upscale rentals.
• Job Prospects: Proximity to Portland, median income ~$120,000.
• Transportation: Car-dependent, near I-5.
• Healthcare Access: PeaceHealth Southwest.
• Schools: Camas School District is excellent.
• Safety: Very safe.
• Cultural Fit: Small-town charm, upscale.
• Amenities: Lacamas Lake.
• Overall Cost of Living: Higher but worth it.

23. Lakewood

• Budget/Affordability: Cost of living ~110%. Median home price: ~$500,000; rent: ~$1,650.
• Housing Options: Affordable homes near Tacoma.
• Job Prospects: Healthcare, military, median income ~$60,000.
• Transportation: Bus access, I-5.
• Healthcare Access: St. Clare Hospital.
• Schools: Clover Park School District is average.
• Safety: Moderate safety.
• Cultural Fit: Suburban, practical.
• Amenities: Fort Steilacoom Park.
• Overall Cost of Living: Affordable.

24. Spokane Valley

• Budget/Affordability: Cost of living ~103%. Median home price: ~$420,000; rent: ~$1,350.
• Housing Options: Cheap homes, apartments.
• Job Prospects: Retail, healthcare, median income ~$55,000.
• Transportation: STA buses, car-friendly.
• Healthcare Access: MultiCare Valley Hospital.
• Schools: Central Valley School District is good.
• Safety: Safe, suburban feel.
• Cultural Fit: Quiet, family-oriented.
• Amenities: Mirabeau Park.
• Overall Cost of Living: Low.

25. Issaquah

• Budget/Affordability: Cost of living ~135%. Median home price: ~$900,000; rent: ~$2,300.
• Housing Options: Homes in foothills, apartments.
• Job Prospects: Tech, retail, median income ~$110,000.
• Transportation: Bus to Seattle, I-90.
• Healthcare Access: Swedish Issaquah.
• Schools: Issaquah School District is top-tier.
• Safety: Very safe.
• Cultural Fit: Outdoor-focused, upscale.
• Amenities: Lake Sammamish State Park.
• Overall Cost of Living: High.

26. Longview

• Budget/Affordability: Cost of living ~100%. Median home price: ~$400,000; rent: ~$1,300.
• Housing Options: Affordable homes, rentals.
• Job Prospects: Manufacturing, healthcare, median income ~$55,000.
• Transportation: Car-dependent, some buses.
• Healthcare Access: PeaceHealth St. John.
• Schools: Longview School District is average.
• Safety: Moderate safety.
• Cultural Fit: Industrial, small-town.
• Amenities: Lake Sacajawea Park.
• Overall Cost of Living: Low.

27. Grandview

• Budget/Affordability: Cost of living ~85%. Median home price: ~$350,000; rent: ~$1,100.
• Housing Options: Very affordable homes.
• Job Prospects: Agriculture, median income ~$50,000.
• Transportation: Car-centric, rural.
• Healthcare Access: Prosser Memorial Health.
• Schools: Grandview School District is average.
• Safety: Safe, rural vibe.
• Cultural Fit: Quiet, agricultural.
• Amenities: Country Park.
• Overall Cost of Living: Extremely low.

28. Hoquiam

• Budget/Affordability: Cost of living ~90%. Median home price: ~$300,000; rent: ~$1,200.
• Housing Options: Cheap historic homes.
• Job Prospects: Timber, retail, median income ~$45,000.
• Transportation: Car-dependent, rural.
• Healthcare Access: Grays Harbor Community Hospital.
• Schools: Hoquiam School District is modest.
• Safety: Safe, small-town feel.
• Cultural Fit: Rustic, retiree-friendly.
• Amenities: Hoquiam Riverfront.
• Overall Cost of Living: Very low.

Summary Table

Rank	City	Median Home Price	Rent (1-Bed)	Cost of Living (% U.S.)	Key Job Sector	Safety Rating
1	Seattle	$830,000	$2,200	145%	Tech	Moderate
2	Bellevue	$1.2M	$2,500	140%	Tech	High
3	Redmond	$1M	$2,000	135%	Tech	High
4	Tacoma	$470,000	$1,600	115%	Healthcare	Moderate
5	Spokane	$385,000	$1,200	103%	Healthcare	Moderate
6	Vancouver	$500,000	$1,600	110%	Healthcare	High
7	Olympia	$550,000	$1,550	115%	Government	High
28	Hoquiam	$300,000	$1,200	90%	Timber	High

Final Notes

• Best for Affordability: Yakima, Grandview, Hoquiam.
• Best for Jobs: Seattle, Bellevue, Redmond.
• Best for Families: Mercer Island, Camas, Issaquah.
• Best for Retirees: Walla Walla, Hoquiam, Spokane.