A recent report from 24/7 Wall St. reveals that the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area holds the title of the most expensive metro area in Washington State, with an overall cost of living 13.7% higher than the national average in 2022. This trend reflects the broader economic challenges facing many Americans, as inflation reached multi-decade highs, causing financial strain across the country.
In Washington State, the cost of goods and services was about 9.8% higher than the national average, contributing to significant financial challenges for residents. According to the report, 55.4% of Washington households experienced difficulties in meeting household expenses, and a staggering 92.7% of adults reported stress linked to rising prices.
The cost of living varies considerably within Washington’s metro areas. While Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue stands out for its high prices, other regions in the state are comparatively more affordable. For instance, Walla Walla, the least expensive metro area, has a cost of living only 0.7% above the national average.