Olympia, WA, US
Washington's capital on the Puget Sound with the State Capitol and a vibrant arts scene.
Above Average vs US Avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Olympia vs US Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: None
- Sales Tax: 10.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: $62,000
- Unemployment: 3.5%
- Population: 52,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 135/year
- Summer High: 78°F
- Winter Low: 35°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6a
Housing
- Median Home: $420,000
- 1BR Rent: $1400/mo
Cost of Living
Olympia's cost of living index is 110 (US average = 100).
| Category | Olympia | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 110 | 100 | +10.0% |
| Housing | 118 | 100 | +18.0% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $420,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $1400/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $1,750/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | $280 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Olympia:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $91 | Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | $54 | Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | $60 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | $70 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | $35 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | $310 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Olympia scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Olympia has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 55°F | 35°F | 2.5" |
| April | 63°F | 50°F | 2.8" |
| July | 78°F | 53°F | 1.5" |
| October | 58°F | 53°F | 2.2" |
Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables
Natural Hazards
Olympia faces the following natural hazards:
Cascadia subduction zone with major earthquake risk.
Frequent wildfire seasons.
Mountainous and coastal regions with landslides.
Cascade Range with frequent avalanches.
River flooding.
Periodic drought conditions.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 0% (None)
- Sales Tax: 10%
- Property Tax: ~0.94% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.5%.
Schools & Education
Data source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Olympia, WA, US?
The cost of living index in Olympia is 110, which is Higher the US national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Olympia?
The median home price in Olympia is $420,000. The housing index is 118.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Olympia is approximately $1400/mo.
Does Olympia, WA have income tax?
Olympia is in WA, which has no income tax.
What is the climate like in Olympia?
Olympia enjoys approximately 135 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 78°F, while winter lows can drop to around 35°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: August 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.