Affordability

Cost of Living in Everett Area

Overall Assessment

Everett and the surrounding Seattle metro area have a high cost of living, significantly above national averages.

Housing Costs

Home Prices

• Median Home Price: ~$650,000 - $750,000 (Snohomish County)
• National Median: ~$400,000
• Premium: 60-80% above national average

Rental Costs

• 1-Bedroom: $1,600 - $2,000/month
• 2-Bedroom: $2,000 - $2,500/month
• 3-Bedroom: $2,500 - $3,200/month

Taxes (Washington State)

• State Income Tax: None ✓
• Sales Tax: 6.5% state + local (varies 8-10% total)
• Property Tax: $1.0-1.3% of assessed value annually
• Gas Tax: ~$0.49/gallon

Daily Expenses

• Groceries: 10-15% above national average
• Utilities: Comparable to national average
• Transportation: Higher (gas, tolls, insurance)
• Dining Out: Moderate to high

BAH Rates (Everett Area)

• E-1 through E-5: ~$2,100 - $2,400/month
• O-1 through O-3: ~$2,400 - $2,700/month

Strategies to Manage Costs

• Housing: Apply early for on-base housing
• Location: Consider more affordable areas (Snohomish, Lake Stevens)
• Roommates: Consider shared housing initially
• Transportation: Factor commute costs into housing decisions
• Shopping: Use commissary, shop sales, buy in bulk

Is It Worth It?

Despite high costs, many families find the quality of life, schools, and career opportunities justify the expense. Budget carefully and plan for higher-than-expected costs.