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Cost of Living in Yakima County

Is it better to rent or buy in Yakima 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.

$72,084
$1,160/mo

Median in area: $1,160

$297,577

Median in area: $297,577

$59,515

If you Rent

🔑
$1,313 /mo
Base Rent$1,160
Est. Utilities$153
% of Income21.9%
Pre-tax Residual$4,694

If you Buy

🏠
$2,014 /mo
P&I (6.996%)$1,583
Taxes & Ins$278
Est. Utilities$153
% of Income33.5%
Pre-tax Residual$3,993

Compare Nearby Areas

See how Yakima County stacks up against neighboring areas.

countyPierce County, WA
$1,954/mo
countyBenton County, WA
$1,416/mo
countyLewis County, WA
$1,071/mo
countyKlickitat County, WA
$1,201/mo
countyKittitas County, WA
$1,486/mo

Cost of Living FAQs

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

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Yakima County. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,313, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $2,014 per month (a difference of $701).

How much do utilities cost in Yakima County?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Yakima County is approximately $153. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

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

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Yakima County without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $52,520 per year.