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Cost of Living in Olympia

Is it better to rent or buy in Olympia? 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.

$85,893
$1,665/mo

Median in area: $1,665

$458,309

Median in area: $458,309

$91,662

If you Rent

🔑
$1,798 /mo
Base Rent$1,665
Est. Utilities$133
% of Income25.1%
Pre-tax Residual$5,360

If you Buy

🏠
$2,945 /mo
P&I (6.82%)$2,395
Taxes & Ins$417
Est. Utilities$133
% of Income41.1%
Pre-tax Residual$4,213

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Olympia?›

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Olympia. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,798, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $2,945 per month (a difference of $1,147).

How much do utilities cost in Olympia?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Olympia is approximately $133. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Olympia?›

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Olympia without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $71,920 per year.