F
32%
Overall NAT. AVG.
13%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
77%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Auburn Washington National
Cost of living132118100
Goods & Services113111100
Groceries116110100
Health care115120100
Housing177135100
Transportation125123100
Utilities9792100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Auburn, WA

Understanding the cost of living in Auburn can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Auburn cost of living index is 132, which is 32% higher than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.

If you value affordability in your search for a new place to live, Auburn may not be the most suitable option, as it stands out as one of the priciest areas in the entire United States. Only a small fraction of regions have a cost of living that is more than 20% higher than the national average, and regrettably, Auburn falls into this category, which may not align with your desire for an affordable place to call home.

When it comes to the cost of living in Auburn, housing costs are a real heavyweight, often hogging a significant chunk of your earnings. Sadly, in this area, housing expenses for both buying and renting were 76.5% more expensive compared to your average city. That means you'll be shelling out more for homes, rents, mortgage rates and insurance.

Goods and services make up 33% of the total cost of living index score and are a large part of your everyday expenses. These items could include things like haircuts, salons, toothpaste, shampoo, clothes, movies, bowling, gym memberships or yoga. In Auburn, you can expect to pay 13% more than average for these items, making it a more expensive place to live.

The cost of groceries continues to rise at an alarming rate. Over the last two years, grocery prices have increased by more than 10%! Unfortunately, in Auburn, the news isn't any better as grocery prices are 16% higher than the national average.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Auburn?

Locals have the inside scoop on their city. So, we polled 5 residents in Auburn to learn how they view the cost of living. We asked how they felt about the cost of living in their area, and if they thought that prices were increasing, decreasing or staying the same. The verdict? 60% find it reasonable with decreasing prices, but 40% think it's quite pricey, with prices that continue to rise.

Is Auburn Affordable?

Is Auburn affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Auburn, the median home price is 92.9% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 38.5% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Auburn boasting a median household income of $76,410, 38.1% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Auburn?

Healthcare: Healthcare expenses and insurance premiums can vary significantly depending on the specific city or state. Factors such as accessibility to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's visits, dental care expenses, prescription costs and specialized medical care fees can all influence the overall cost of living. In Auburn, healthcare costs are 15.4% higher than the national average.

Transportation: In situations where public transportation is limited or nonexistent, local residents may be required to own and maintain their own vehicles, contributing to an elevated cost of living. Monthly expenditures may encompass fuel costs, insurance premiums, routine vehicle upkeep and possibly lease or financing payments. In Auburn, the transportation index is 25.2% higher than the national average.

Taxes: Areas with higher taxes, including sales taxes and income taxes, can contribute to a higher cost of living. Paying more tax for everyday goods and services like clothing and food will result in higher costs, as will paying a higher rate of income tax. The general sales tax rate in Auburn starts at 6.5% and the income tax rates start at 0%.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data in Auburn displayed above is sourced from the C2ER cost of living index, which serves as a practical tool for comparing living expenses across urban areas. Published on a quarterly basis, this index aggregates data from over 300 independent researchers, encompassing more than 60 goods and services, in 6 different categories. The weightings assigned to cost differences rely on government survey data that tracks the spending habits of professional and executive households. It's worth noting that the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, while AreaVibes integrates tax rates into the overall cost of living evaluation for each region.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Auburn is 12% higher than the Washington average
  • The cost of living in Auburn is 32% higher than the national average
  • Auburn housing is 77% higher than the national average
  • Washington general sales tax is 27% higher than the national average
  • Washington state income tax is 100% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Auburn

See all the best places to live around Auburn

Compare Auburn, WA Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$98,153$8,179$2,290$2,945
      Renters$54,396$4,533$1,269$1,632
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Auburn, WA, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Auburn have a median income of $98,153. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $2,290 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $54,396, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $1,269.

      Washington Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Washington 6.5% 10.4%

      Washington Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Washington 0% 0%

      Goods & Services

      Item Auburn National avg. Difference
      Haircut $32.12$24.2632.4%
      Beauty Salon $43.48$45.564.6%
      Toothpaste $3.46$3.706.6%
      Shampoo $1.24$1.283.4%
      Movie $11.87$12.132.2%
      Bowling $17.56$18.002.5%

      Groceries

      Item Auburn National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $5.66$5.843.0%
      Fried Chicken $2.78$1.5776.8%
      Milk $4.85$4.673.7%
      Potatoes $4.43$4.9310.3%
      Pizza $14.86$12.0922.9%
      Beer $11.77$10.4113.1%

      Health Care

      Item Auburn National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $242.14$125.6892.7%
      Doctor $139.77$135.782.9%
      Dentist $164.30$113.2945.0%
      Ibuprofen $11.87$10.6511.4%
      Lipitor $448.83$468.604.2%

      Housing

      Item Auburn National avg. Difference
      Home Price $356,200.00$184,700.0092.9%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $2,843.91$2,346.6921.2%
      Apartment Rent $1,314.00$949.0038.5%

      Transportation

      Item Auburn National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $4.39$3.4626.9%
      Tire Balancing $77.69$59.9229.7%

      Utilities

      Item Auburn National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $175.38$193.999.6%
      Phone $207.11$192.257.7%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Fairwood CDP (Spokane County), WA8,05511413.7%
      North Puyallup, WA1,97011515.1%
      Midland, WA9,51811817.9%
      Parkland, WA37,94612120.6%
      South Prairie, WA29712120.8%
      Auburn, WA80,91413232.1%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Farmington Hills, MI80,93711312.6%
      Lynchburg, VA80,970955.0%
      Deerfield Beach, FL80,8221066.1%
      Tustin, CA80,81517474.1%
      Warwick, RI81,04311414.2%
      Auburn, WA80,91413232.1%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.