04 Mar Washington Cities with Lower Costs of Living
Washington has incredible natural beauty and high-quality living. This often comes with a lofty price tag. The cost of living in many cities is higher than the national average. However, there are areas around the state that have a lower-than-average cost of living. Let’s take a look at some of them.
Colville – Republic
Colville (pronounce Call-ville) and Republic are towns in Northeast Washington. Both towns are nestled in foothills and forests, making this area rich in outdoor activities. People who love distinct seasons will enjoy this part of the state. Summers are warm to hot and winters are cold.
The Colville area was first explored for the Northwest Fur Company. Fort Colville was built near the present-day townsite and was a major center for trade. When the fort was abandoned, the town of Colville was born. Some of the historic buildings from the town’s early days are still standing. A unique feature of the town is its unusually wide streets, designed for large teams of horses hauling timber.
Gold prospectors founded Republic in the late 1800’s. The town celebrates this mining history in its annual Prospector’s Days festival. Area mines still employ many Republic residents.
Although this area is mostly rural, there is a lot to do. Both Colville and Republic have unique shopping and dining. You can dig for fossils or even pan for gold in Republic. Golfers enjoy Colville’s Dominion Meadows golf course. There are many trails in the area for hiking, mountain biking, ATV and snowmobile riding, and skiing.
While these communities are small, they provide the essentials for daily living. Both towns have hospitals and health centers, shopping, and other services. The nearest large city is Spokane, which is a 2.5 hour drive from Republic and a 1.5 hour drive from Colville.
Quick Facts
Population: 1,180 (Republic), 4780 (Colville)
Schools: Colville and Republic School Districts
Cost of Living: 10% (Colville), 20% (Republic) less than the national average (bestplaces.net)
Average Home Price: $305,000 (Colville), $167,500 (Republic)
Chelan
Chelan is in North Central Washington. It sits where the Cascade Mountains meet the desert. The Chelan Tribe was the area’s first inhabitants. Today, Chelan is a popular destination for tourists and vacation homeowners due to its location on Lake Chelan. Its population soars to over 6 times its year-round numbers in the summer.
Living in Chelan means you will experience four seasons and lots of sun. The city website boasts over 300 days of sunshine. The water is a major draw for visitors and new residents. Lake Chelan is 51 miles long and the third deepest lake in the US. It, along with other nearby smaller bodies of water, are ideal for boating, fishing, jet skiing, and more. The hiking, biking, and mountain biking in the area is also spectacular.
The Lake Chelan Valley is rich farming land. There are over 30 wineries as well as orchards and farmers’ markets. Agriculture is the largest industry in the area, followed by health services and tourism.
The closest airport to Chelan is 39 miles away in Wenatchee. Chelan is about 2.5 hours away from Spokane and 3 hours from Seattle.
Quick Facts:
Population: 4,150 year-round residents
Schools: Lake Chelan School District and Roots Community School
Cost of Living: 2% less than the national average (bestplaces.net)
Average Home Price: $640,500
Ellensburg
Ellensburg is in the heart of Washington state. It’s first building was built in 1868. The town flourished in 1886 with the arrival of the Northern Pacific Railroad. Ellensburg was a contender for becoming the state capitol until a fire destroyed much of it in 1889. The town was rebuilt with elegant brick buildings. These buildings now make up Ellensburg’s beautifully preserved downtown. Today the area’s major industries are education, service industries, and healthcare.
There is a lot to do in and around Ellensburg. Visit one of the local art galleries. Enjoy wineries, tasting rooms, and distilleries. Ellensburg also hosts the annual Winterhop Brewfest.
Ellensburg is in the Cascade rain shadow. It sees over 200 sunny days per year. You can take advantage of the weather and enjoy the many outdoor activities. The nearby Yakima River is a premier spot for fly-fishing and rafting. There is abundant hiking and mountain biking in the area. The Umtanum Creek Canyon is a popular hike about 20 minutes from Ellensburg. The area also has over 500 miles of groomed snowmobile trails.
Ellensburg is 2.5 hours from Spokane and 1.75 hours from Seattle.
Quick Facts:
Population: 21,579
Schools: Ellensburg School District, private schools, and Central Washington University
Cost of Living: 2% less than national average (bestplaces.net)
Average Home Price: $359,000
Tri-Cities Area
The cities of Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland (and today also West Richland) make up the Tri-Cities Area of Southeastern Washington. The Tri-Cities are at the confluence of the Yakima, Snake, and Columbia Rivers. This area of the state is desert. The sunny dry climate and abundant water for irrigation makes this a prime area for agriculture. Farming was the basis of the economy for much of the area’s history. Today this is known as “The Heart of the Washington Wine Country”. There are over 200 wineries in a 50-mile radius.
The Tri-Cities appeals to those who want to be outdoors year-round. The area has 10 golf courses. Badger Mountain is a popular hiking and biking destination. Some of the most popular activities are done on the water. The rivers make for excellent water skiing, boating, fishing, and more.
The Tri-Cities has a thriving cultural scene. You can take in a performance by the Mid-Columbia Ballet, Symphony, or Musical Theatre. There are several studios, galleries, and museums as well.
Major industries in the Tri-Cities include research and development, technology, manufacturing, and agriculture. This area has seen consistent population growth over the last decade. This trend is expected to continue. The Tri-Cities are about 3 hours away from both Seattle and Portland Oregon. The Tri-Cities Airport has direct flights to major cities around the nation.
Quick Facts:
Population: 296,480 (metro area combined)
Schools: Public schools are part of the Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland school districts. There are multiple private schools as well.
The Tri-cities are also home to Washington State University Tri-Cities, Columbia Basin College, and Charter College.
Cost of Living: 1% less than national average (bestplaces.net)
Average Home Price: $307,500 (Kennewick), $295,000 (Pasco), $317,500 (Richland)
Spokane
Spokane is a city in eastern Washington, just 18 miles from the Washington-Idaho border. It is the largest metropolitan center in the area and the third largest in Washington
Spokane was a major commerce city in the late 1800’s. In 1889, a fire destroyed much of downtown. The residents rebuilt with brick and stone buildings. Many of these buildings have been preserved. Today, over 50 percent of downtown Spokane is designated as historic. It now includes tasting rooms and breweries, dining, galleries, and theatres.
The Spokane area has an abundance of outdoor activities. You can explore the nearby Selkirk Mountains and the Rocky Mountain foothills. There are five ski areas within two hours of Spokane. The area is saturated with hiking and mountain biking trails as well. The Iller Creek Conservation area is a popular hiking destination within the city. If you prefer being on the water, there are 76 rivers and lakes to choose from in the area.
People are not just moving to Spokane for recreation. There are also factors that make daily life enjoyable. Traffic is usually light, considering it is a large city. Housing is generally more affordable here than other metropolitan areas in Washington. The cost of doing business is also low here, making Spokane a center for economic growth.
Quick Facts:
Population: 217,353
Schools: Multiple schools districts in the area including: Spokane, West Valley, Great Northern
There are also multiple colleges and universities including Gonzaga University and Whitworth University.
Cost of Living: 7% less than national average
Average Home Price: $340,000
As you can see, there are areas in Washington where you can really stretch your dollar. If a lower cost of living is one of your priorities, let’s talk. I can help you locate a town in Washington that fits your needs, wants, and budget.