When you plan to study abroad, one of the first things you’ll need to figure out is the cost of living. Washington State is a popular destination for international students because of its vibrant cities and top universities. But before making that decision, it’s crucial to understand how much life in Washington will cost you. The cost of living can vary depending on where you live and your lifestyle. This article will break down the expenses you’ll face, from rent to groceries and more. Let’s dive into the cost of living in Washington State and ease your worries about what to expect.
Table of contents
- Overview of the Cost of Living in Washington State
- Cost of Accommodation in Washington State
- Cost of Studying in Washington State
- Cost of Transportation in Washington State
- Cost of Food in Washington State
- Cost of Utilities in Washington State
- Cost of Leisure in Washington State
- Factors Influencing the Cost of Living in Washington State
- Tips for Reducing the Cost of Living in Washington State
- Comparing the Cost of Living in Washington State vs California
- FAQs on Cost of Living in Washington State 2025
Overview of the Cost of Living in Washington State
Washington State, known for its diverse cities like Seattle and Spokane, offers a range of living costs depending on the location. The costs below are an estimate of average expenses for students and residents living in the state, but prices can vary based on the city and lifestyle choices. Here’s a breakdown of the average costs you should expect when living in Washington State:
| Category | Average Price (USD) | Price Range (USD) |
| Restaurants | ||
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | 25.00 | 15.00 – 40.00 |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant | 100.00 | 60.00 – 200.00 |
| McMeal at McDonalds (Combo Meal) | 12.00 | 10.00 – 15.00 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) | 8.00 | 6.00 – 11.00 |
| Cappuccino (Regular) | 5.60 | 4.00 – 8.00 |
| Groceries | ||
| Milk (1 liter) | 1.09 | 0.68 – 2.01 |
| Rice (1kg) | 6.06 | 2.62 – 11.02 |
| Eggs (12) | 3.81 | 2.00 – 5.99 |
| Chicken Fillets (1kg) | 15.01 | 7.69 – 19.84 |
| Apples (1kg) | 5.84 | 3.57 – 8.80 |
| Transportation | ||
| One-way Ticket (Public Transport) | 2.50 | 2.00 – 4.50 |
| Monthly Public Transport Pass | 75.00 | 67.00 – 129.50 |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | 4.00 | 3.00 – 5.00 |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | 0.94 | 0.83 – 1.06 |
| Utilities (Monthly) | ||
| Basic Utilities (Electricity, Water, etc.) | 193.65 | 120.00 – 309.09 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More) | 65.40 | 40.00 – 99.00 |
| Tuition Fees | ||
| Tuition Fees | USD 20,000 – USD 35,000 | |
| Rent | ||
| 1-Bedroom Apartment in the City Centre | 2,532.95 | 2,000.00 – 3,400.00 |
| 3-Bedroom Apartment Outside City Centre | 4,069.47 | 3,500.00 – 6,000.00 |
| Leisure and Sports | ||
| Fitness Club Monthly Fee | 107.50 | 50.00 – 200.00 |
| Cinema Ticket (International Release) | 17.00 | 15.00 – 20.00 |
| Clothing and Shoes | ||
| 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis or Similar) | 78.42 | 40.50 – 110.00 |
| 1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes | 109.41 | 75.00 – 140.00 |
Cost of Accommodation in Washington State
Cost of Accommodation is a major expense in the cost of living in Washington State. Renting a place in the city centre can be expensive while renting outside the city centre is generally cheaper. There are certain affordable places to live near Washington DC for students which you can prefer. Below we have mentioned the cost of accommodation in Washington state.
| Item | Price (USD) | Price Range (USD) |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | 2,532.95 | 2,000.00-3,400.00 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre | 2,066.26 | 1,800.00-2,600.00 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre | 5,376.32 | 4,000.00-7,500.00 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre | 4,069.47 | 3,500.00-6,000.00 |
| The price per Square Meter to Buy an Apartment in the City Centre | 7,594.72 | 4,069.00-14,500.00 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy an Apartment Outside of Centre | 6,098.51 | 3,391.00-9,050.00 |
Also Read:
- Cost of Living in Philippines for International Students in 2025
- Cost of Living in Maynooth, Ireland for Students [2025]
Cost of Studying in Washington State
Studying in Washington State can be exciting, but understanding the costs is essential for planning your budget. The cost of studying varies according to the universities and programs. Here’s a breakdown of tuition fees, accommodation, and other expenses for international students.
| Expense | Average Cost (Per Year) | Details |
| Tuition Fees | USD 20,000 – USD 35,000 | Varies by university and program. Public universities are more affordable than private ones. |
| Accommodation | USD 9,000 – USD 15,000 | Dorms are cheaper than private apartments. Shared housing reduces costs. |
| Food and Groceries | USD 3,000 – USD 5,000 | Cooking at home can save money compared to dining out. |
| Transportation | USD 900 – USD 1,200 | Public transport like buses and light rail are cost-effective. |
| Books and Supplies | USD 1,000 – USD 1,500 | Includes textbooks, lab materials, and other academic essentials. |
| Health Insurance | USD 1,200 – USD 2,000 | Mandatory for international students. Check if your university offers plans. |
| Miscellaneous | USD 2,000 – USD 3,000 | Covers entertainment, clothing, and personal expenses. |
Cost of Transportation in Washington State
Cost of Transportation highlights the costs associated with transportation in the area. It is a major expense of the cost of living in Washington State. A one-way ticket on public transport typically costs USD 2.50, while a monthly pass for local transit can be around USD 75. You can look at the table below to understand the cost of transportation in Washington state.
| Item | Price (USD) | Price Range (USD) |
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | 2.50 | 2.00-4.50 |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | 75.00 | 67.00-129.50 |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | 4.00 | 3.00-5.00 |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | 0.94 | 0.83-1.06 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Car) | 30,000.00 | 25,000.00-35,699.74 |
Cost of Food in Washington State
The cost of food includes expenses related to groceries and dining out in Washington state. It focuses cost of essential groceries, such as dairy, bread, rice, and meats. The price range varies depending on the store or region. Below we have mentioned the cost of food in Washington state for the students.
| Item | Price (USD) | Price Range (USD) |
| Milk (regular), (1 litre) | 1.09 | 0.68-2.01 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | 4.19 | 1.62-6.61 |
| Rice (white), (1kg) | 6.06 | 2.62-11.02 |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | 3.81 | 2.00-5.99 |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | 14.97 | 5.71-26.46 |
| Chicken Fillets (1kg) | 15.01 | 7.69-19.84 |
| Beef Round (1kg) | 18.80 | 13.23-30.86 |
| Apples (1kg) | 5.84 | 3.57-8.80 |
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | 25.00 | 15.00-40.00 |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant | 100.00 | 60.00-200.00 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) | 8.00 | 6.00-11.00 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) | 10.00 | 8.00-13.00 |
| Cappuccino (regular) | 5.60 | 4.00-8.00 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) | 2.90 | 2.00-4.00 |
| Water (0.33 liter bottle) | 2.43 | 1.69-4.00 |
Cost of Utilities in Washington State
The monthly utility costs, including electricity, heating, and internet, are important to consider when budgeting the cost of living in Washington State. For an average 85m² apartment, utility bills can range from USD 120 to USD 309. Some houses include utility bills while some do not. You can look at the cost of utilities in Washington State in the table below.
| Item | Price (USD) | Price Range (USD) |
| Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, etc.) | 193.65 | 120.00-309.09 |
| Mobile Phone Plan (10GB+ Data) | 57.20 | 27.50-100.00 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More) | 65.40 | 40.00-99.00 |
Cost of Leisure in Washington State
The cost of leisure activities includes fitness club memberships and entertainment. The price can vary based on location and the type of movie or event. There are so many best things to do in Washington DC as per the student’s preference. Another aspect is the clothing costs of the individual. In the table below, we have mentioned the cost of leisure and clothing in Washington state.
| Item | Price (USD) | Price Range (USD) |
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | 107.50 | 50.00-200.00 |
| Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat | 17.00 | 15.00-20.00 |
| 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 or Similar) | 78.42 | 40.50-110.00 |
| 1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) | 109.41 | 75.00-140.00 |
Also Read:
- Cost of Living in Hawaii for International Students [2025]
- Cost of Living in Spain for International Students [2025]
Factors Influencing the Cost of Living in Washington State
The cost of living in Washington State depends on several factors. Each plays a role in shaping your monthly expenses, especially if you’re a student or new to the area. Here’s a breakdown of the key factors that influence the cost of living in Washington state.
1. Location: Where you live in Washington State matters a lot. Cities like Seattle and Bellevue are expensive due to their popularity and job opportunities. Smaller towns like Spokane or Tacoma offer more affordable rent and amenities.
2. Housing Options: Rent is one of the biggest expenses. Living in the city centre is costly, while suburban areas are cheaper. Sharing an apartment or choosing university housing can reduce costs significantly.
3. Transportation: Public transport costs vary depending on your location. Larger cities have extensive systems like buses and light rail, but in smaller towns, you might need a car. Gasoline is affordable, but car insurance can be high.
4. Lifestyle Choices: Your spending on food, entertainment, and leisure activities will impact your overall cost. Dining out and gym memberships in bigger cities are pricier while cooking at home and using community facilities can save money.
5. Education and Supplies: If you’re a student, tuition fees and supplies like books, laptops, or stationery add to your expenses. Public universities often have lower fees compared to private ones, and using discounts can help manage costs.
By understanding these factors, you can make smarter financial decisions and plan your budget effectively!
Tips for Reducing the Cost of Living in Washington State
Living in Washington State can be expensive, but there are ways to save money and stay within your budget. By following some of the tips, you can manage your expenses better and make your stay in Washington State more affordable without compromising on your quality of life. Here are some practical tips to help you reduce your cost of living:
1. Choose Shared Accommodation: Sharing a flat or house with roommates can significantly lower your rent. Look for housing options outside the city centre for cheaper rates. Check university accommodation portals or student housing websites for affordable listings.
2. Use Public Transportation: Public transport is cheaper than owning a car. Get a monthly transit pass to save on daily travel costs. Many universities provide discounts or free transit cards for students.
3. Shop Smart for Groceries: Buy in bulk from wholesale stores like Costco or Walmart. Look for discounts and sales in local supermarkets. Cook your meals at home instead of eating out to save on food expenses.
4. Take Advantage of Student Discounts: Use your student ID for discounts on entertainment, transportation, and shopping. Many stores, restaurants, and gyms offer reduced rates for students. Check with your university for additional student benefits or partnerships.
5. Find Free or Low-Cost Entertainment: Explore the best places to visit in Washington DC. Visit free attractions like parks, libraries, and local events. Attend university-hosted activities, which are often free or low-cost. Use apps or websites to find discounts on movie tickets, concerts, and more.
Comparing the Cost of Living in Washington State vs California
Both Washington State and California are known for their vibrant economies and opportunities, but their cost of living differs significantly. Let’s compare key aspects like housing, transportation, and utilities to help you decide which state fits your budget better.
| Category | Washington State | California | Difference |
| Housing | 1-bedroom apartment: USD 2,500 in Seattle | 1-bedroom apartment: USD 3,200 in LA | California is 25-30% more expensive |
| Utilities | Avg. monthly: USD 195 | Avg. monthly: USD 240 | California utilities cost more |
| Transportation | Monthly pass: USD 75 | Monthly pass: USD 100 | California has higher transport costs |
| Groceries | Slightly lower, e.g., milk: USD 1.09/L | Slightly higher, e.g., milk: USD 1.20/L | Groceries cost more in California |
| Gasoline | USD 0.94/L | USD 1.20/L | California has higher fuel prices |
The cost of living in Washington State can vary based on your lifestyle, county, and preferences. While rent can be high in cities like Seattle, there are affordable options in smaller cities or suburban areas. Whether you’re a student, a single professional, or a family, it’s crucial to plan your budget and understand your expenses. With the right planning, you can comfortably live in Washington and enjoy all the opportunities the state has to offer.
Hope you liked reading our blog about the Cost of Living in Washington State. For a stress-free stay during your study abroad adventure, choose Fly Homes. Call 1800572118 to reserve your ideal accommodation abroad with ease.
FAQs on Cost of Living in Washington State 2025
The average monthly cost of living in Washington State for students is around USD 1,500 to USD 2,500. This includes rent, food, transportation, and other essentials. Living in shared housing or dormitories can reduce expenses.
How much does rent cost in Washington State?
Rent varies by location. A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre can cost USD 2,500 monthly, while outside the centre, it’s around USD 2,000. Shared accommodations are cheaper.
Is Washington State expensive compared to other states?
Yes, Washington State has a higher cost of living compared to many states. Housing, utilities, and transportation are more expensive, especially in urban areas like Seattle.
How does the cost of living in Washington State compare to California?
Washington State is slightly cheaper than California in terms of housing and taxes. However, other expenses like groceries and utilities are similar.
How much does health insurance cost in Washington State?
Health insurance for international students costs between USD 100 and USD 200 per month. Some universities provide health insurance plans for students.
Washington State can be expensive, but with smart budgeting and shared housing, students can manage costs effectively. Scholarships and part-time jobs can help.
What are the average monthly expenses in Washington State for a student?
Students typically spend USD 1,500 to USD 2,000 monthly on rent, food, transportation, and other essentials. Shared housing and student discounts help reduce costs.
Are there affordable housing options in Washington State?
Yes, options like shared apartments, dormitories, and living outside the city centre are more affordable. Check university housing portals for listings.
How can students save money in Washington State?
Use public transportation, cook meals, apply for student discounts, buy used books, and consider shared housing to save money.
Urban counties like King County are more expensive due to high housing costs. Rural areas have lower living costs but may lack amenities and job opportunities.
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