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Cost of Living in King County

Is it better to rent or buy in King County? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

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Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$46,645
$1,500/mo

Median in area: $1,500

$52,100

Median in area: $52,100

$10,420

If you Rent

🔑
$1,654 /mo
Base Rent$1,500
Est. Utilities$154
% of Income42.6%
Pre-tax Residual$2,233

If you Buy

🏠
$581 /mo
P&I (7.051%)$279
Taxes & Ins$148
Est. Utilities$154
% of Income14.9%
Pre-tax Residual$3,306

Compare Nearby Areas

See how King County stacks up against neighboring areas.

countyFoard County, TX
$572/mo
countyCottle County, TX
$264/mo
countyDickens County, TX
$758/mo
countyKnox County, TX
$513/mo
countyStonewall County, TX
$613/mo

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in King County?›

Based on median housing data, buying is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in King County. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,654, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $581 per month (a difference of $1,073).

How much do utilities cost in King County?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in King County is approximately $154. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in King County?›

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in King County without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $66,160 per year.