WA · Rank 1 of 50 affordable

Can teachers afford to live in Washington?

Yes — manageable.

The average Washington teacher earns $96,589 per year. A typical 2-bedroom rents for about $1,940/mo, which is 24% of gross monthly pay. The 30% rule is the standard healthy benchmark.

Avg Teacher Salary
$96,589
Cost-of-Living Index
114.1
US avg = 100
Affordability Score
70/100

Renting in Washington

2BR Rent / mo
$1,940
Annual Rent
$23,276
% of Salary
24%
Left after rent
$6,109/mo

Green zone is under the 30% healthy housing benchmark.

Buying a Home in Washington

Median Home Price
$479,220
10% Down
$47,922
P&I (7%, 30yr)
$2,869/mo
Full PITI
$3,448/mo

Estimated mortgage payment as a share of average teacher monthly gross pay, including taxes & insurance.

Estimates assume a 10% down payment, 7% 30-year fixed rate, 1.1% property tax, and 0.35% home insurance. Actual rates and prices vary by district and metro area.

How Washington Compares