Best Places to Live in Washington State? Here are 10 Cities to Check Out

The best place to live in Washington state has to be the Tri-Cities area…but I might be a bit biased! 😊 Really, it depends on what you’re looking for in a new hometown.

Job opportunities? Affordable homes? Sunny weather? Things to do? We all have different priorities. But what’s great about Washington is that there’s a place for you somewhere in this wonderful state!

My husband and I have lived in Washington state for more than 30 years. We’ve traveled all over this beautiful state. One of our kids went to Central Washington University, and the other attended Western Washington University. We have friends (and we know great real estate agents!) all over the state.

All of which is to say that I speak from experience in this article. So if you’re thinking about moving to Washington state, but haven’t yet picked the best place to live, read on. And if you have any questions that I don’t answer below, please reach out anytime. I’d love to help.

Now, let’s begin with a couple comparisons of 10 great places to live in Washington (with our hometown, the Tri-Cities, highlighted).

Washington Cities Demographics and Cost of Living Comparison

City	Metro Population	Cost of Living Index	Median Home Price	Median Household Income
Bellevue	151,574	136.7	$1,200,000	$140,000
Bellingham	96,619	110.0	$500,000	$62,000
Kitsap County	277,658	115.3	$580,000	$98,546
Olympia	244,851	102.0	$400,000	$68,000
Seattle	3,438,932	136.7	$875,000	$120,000
Spokane	463,089	95.5	$407,615	$60,000
Tacoma	222,906	112.5	$454,000	$70,000
Tri-Cities	315,913	97.6	$425,000	$85,792
Vancouver	196,442	124.5	$454,000	$75,000
Walla Walla	62,068	93.2	$432,500	$72,212

Washington Climate Comparison by City

City	Avg. Snowfall (in)	Avg. Rainfall (in)	Avg. Summer High (°F)	Avg. Winter Low (°F)
Bellevue	5.0	37.5	75	36
Bellingham	10.0	35.0	72	35
Kitsap County	3.0	56.4	77	37
Olympia	10.0	50.0	77	34
Seattle	5.0	37.5	75	36
Spokane	44.9	17.2	83	24
Tacoma	3.9	39.0	76	36
Tri-Cities	6.8	7.7	89	28
Vancouver	2.0	42.0	79	33
Walla Walla	9.0	19.0	86	27

(See notes about this data at the end of the article.)

Tri-Cities, WA

Let’s start with the area that I know best, thanks to 20+ years as a Tri-Cities Realtor® and more than 30 years living here. The Tri-Cities offers a great combination of size, affordability, and weather. We have more than 300,000 people living in the area, but because it’s spread out over 3+ cities and more than 100 square miles, we still hold on to a great, small-town feel.

People who move to the Tri-Cities from other cities are often surprised by all the options they have for outdoor fun — biking, hiking, golf, pickleball, boating, and much more. If they happen to be wine lovers, too, well…this area is heaven. We have ~200 wineries within about an hour’s drive.

Our cost of living is just slightly below the national average, and homes are affordable here compared to other metropolitan areas across the state. As you can see above, our median home price is about half of Seattle’s, and almost one-third of Bellevue’s.

We get all four seasons here, as evidenced by the wide range of average temperatures. But we’re also the driest part of Washington, with a combined annual total of about 15 inches of rain and snow. If you don’t want a ton of snow (like they get in Spokane) or almost constant rain (like on the entire west side of the state), this is the place for you!

The Tri-Cities is often recognized on national lists and surveys of great places to live:

• Richland Rated #2 Small City in the U.S. to Start a Small Business
• West Richland named one of the safest cities in Washington (again!)
• Tri-Cities is the Fastest Growing Area in Washington (Still)
• Richland: A Park-Lover’s Paradise in the Tri-Cities
• Kennewick (Again) Named a Top 100 Place to Live in the U.S.
• Pasco Named a Top Place to Retire in the U.S.

The one common knock against the Tri-Cities is that there aren’t a ton of things to do for younger folks. If you or your kids are really into the nightclub scene, we’re definitely more limited than what you’ll find in bigger cities. I can’t argue that. We’re also missing out on some popular retail outlets — there’s no Trader Joe’s here, and no Apple store. I talk about that and more in my Pros and Cons of Living in the Tri-Cities article and video.

If you want to learn more about living in the Tri-Cities, don’t hesitate to get in touch. I’d love to answer any questions you have. Until then, read on to learn more about some of the other great places to live in Washington state. (But not as great as the Tri!)

Bellevue

If you’re working in tech or want a super polished suburb with great schools, Bellevue’s tough to beat. The downtown feels more like a mini-city than a suburb — you’ve got fancy shopping, big employers, restaurants, and parks all close by. Plus, you’re right next to Seattle without having to deal with Seattle’s headaches (traffic, crowds, etc.). We’ve often stayed in Bellevue when we were going to a Seahawks or Mariners game in the big city.

On the other hand, it’s expensive. Housing prices are high, rent’s high, and even groceries seem pricier. Bellevue doesn’t have much of a vibe. It feels a little too perfect — it’s clean and convenient, but comes off as kinda sterile. Also, traffic can just as big of a pain as it is in Seattle. You don’t want to be on the 405 freeway at rush hour.

I can connect you with a great agent who knows all about the Bellevue area if you’d like to learn more. Get in touch and I’ll be happy to make an introduction.

Bellingham

I can’t lie, we love Bellingham. Our youngest child graduated from Western Washington University (pictured below), and we always loved visiting there. It has a low-key vibe that’s easy to love. It has a nice, walkable downtown with cool coffee shops and breweries, and a similarly walkable area to the south called Fairhaven. And since it sits right on Bellingham Bay, beautiful views are easy to find.

But I don’t know if we could live there for one big reason: the weather! You can see above — it gets just about as much rain as Seattle, plus twice the snow. It’s really gray. Winters drag on, and if you need consistent sunshine, Bellingham might not be your spot. Bellingham can also feel a little isolated if you’re used to bigger metro areas. Seattle is about 90 minutes to the south, but if you want to get anywhere else, it’s a loooong drive. Housing prices have also crept up in recent years, making it less of a hidden gem than it once was.

If you’re interested in learning more about Bellingham, drop me a note and I’ll connect you with a favorite real estate agent who knows the area inside and out.

Kitsap County

Kitsap is a large county to the immediate west of Seattle, across Elliott Bay. It’s a solid choice if you want to be near the water without paying Seattle prices. You’ve got small towns like Poulsbo and Port Orchard, plus the bigger Navy presence in Bremerton, which keeps the economy fairly steady. The ferry ride into Seattle is beautiful (when you need it), and the vibe overall is slower, quieter, and more relaxed.

But that same ferry can be a hassle if you’re commuting regularly. Jobs can be hit or miss unless you’re military, healthcare, or a remote worker. The cost of living is better than in Seattle or Bellevue, but it’s still noticeably more expensive to live there than other parts of Washington (and the national average, for that matter). Also, rain — even more than Seattle. Winters are mostly mild, but very gray and wet.

I know a terrific Realtor® in Kitsap County, so reach out anytime and I’ll be glad to put you in touch if you’d like to learn more about that area.

Olympia

Our state capital, Olympia has a strong sense of community, a lot of state government jobs, and a bit of an artsy, progressive streak. The downtown has character — lots of murals, bookstores, coffee shops, and a nice waterfront park. It’s also a great launching point for exploring both the coast and Mount Rainier. The pace is slower than Seattle or Tacoma, but not sleepy. Home prices are reasonable, especially for the west side of the state.

So, what’s not to like? If you’re not working in or around government, the job market’s pretty limited. Housing prices have gone up, and while it’s still cheaper than Seattle, it’s not a secret anymore. Also, the weather? Still gray. Still soggy.

Seattle

Seattle’s got everything. Big city energy, a great food scene, live music, parks, water, mountains — whatever you’re into, it’s probably here. If you’re in tech, healthcare, or creative work, there are tons of opportunities. And even as the city has grown, neighborhoods like Ballard, Capitol Hill, and Wallingford still have great local character. We make regular trips to Seattle to see the Mariners, Seahawks, or — in my husband’s case, especially — live music. It’s a great place to visit.

But I’m not sure if we could live there. You know about the weather already. It’s true that the rain and gray can wear you down. Seattle’s also just flat-out expensive. The cost of real estate is brutal, and rent’s not much better. If you’ve never been to Seattle, you may not know how bad the traffic is. In a 2024 study, Seattle had the second-worst congestion and third-worst traffic in the U.S. And if you’re new to the area, it might take a while to feel settled — there’s a whole “Seattle Freeze” thing where people can seem friendly but not exactly welcoming. It’s real enough that there’s a Wikipedia page about it.

That said…yes, I know a great agent in Seattle, so if you want to check it out and hear more from a local expert, get in touch with me and I’ll make an introduction for you.

Spokane

In a lot of ways, Spokane is a bigger version of the Tri-Cities. Like us, they have a beautiful river running right through the center of town (see photo below) and a lot of the area’s activities center around it. Spokane gets more concerts and entertainment than we do, but not nearly as much as Seattle.

Spokane gets all four seasons, as do we. Their summers are generally about 5-10 degrees cooler than ours, but the winters are a lot colder, wetter, and snowier. If you follow the WSDOT East accounts on social media, you’ll see videos of snow, icy roads, and accidents around the Spokane area from November through March. If you don’t mind a truly cold, wet winter, Spokane might be a great fit.

If you’d like more info directly from a Spokane expert, drop me a note and I’ll put you in touch with a dear friend and Realtor® who can answer all your questions.

Tacoma

Tacoma gets a bad rap because it’s not Seattle, but it has great views of Mount Rainier, some neat older neighborhoods, museums, and a growing food scene. Housing prices are more affordable than in Seattle and Bellevue, but the city still has an overall cost of living that’s much higher than the national average. If you like a little grit with your charm, you might actually prefer it to more polished cities like Seattle and Bellevue.

On the flip side, the job market isn’t as strong as Seattle’s, unless you’re in healthcare, education, or manufacturing/logistics. While many neighborhoods have improved, others are struggling with a lack of investment. And while the city’s come a long way, locals say there’s still a bit of an identity crisis because Tacoma lives in the shadow of Seattle.

If you’d like to learn about Tacoma, get in touch and I’ll connect you with a great agent who knows the area in depth.

Vancouver

Vancouver has a lot going for it. The city is just across the Columbia River from Portland, Oregon, and is considered part of the Portland metro area. You can enjoy a double financial bonus when you live in Vancouver: no state income tax because you live in Washington, and no sales tax when you cross the river and shop in Portland. It’s more affordable than Portland or Seattle, has a growing downtown, and has become increasingly popular with families and remote workers.

But despite that income tax/sales tax bonus, Vancouver’s cost of living index is one of the highest in the state of Washington. Public transit is limited, and traffic into Portland can be a real pain, especially during rush hour. Some residents feel that Vancouver is growing fast but without the infrastructure to match, which creates sprawl and strains services. They also say that Vancouver has an identity crisis being in Portland’s shadow, much like Tacoma does with Seattle.

If you’d like to learn more about Vancouver, drop me a note and I’ll introduce you to a favorite real estate agent in that part of the state.

Walla Walla

Our neighbor to the east, the town so nice they named it twice! (Sorry, Washington insider humor right there. 😅) Walla Walla is a hidden gem for anyone who loves small-town charm, wine country vibes, and sunshine. The surrounding countryside is beautiful, and the local wine industry has put the area on the map. Downtown Walla Walla has a great vibe — it’s walkable, with art galleries, boutiques, and great restaurants.

But, you have to be okay with a slower, more rural lifestyle. People who move to the Tri-Cities from bigger cities often say there’s not much to do here — that’s even more true in Walla Walla. We’re about an hour away, and Spokane is about 2.5 hours by car, so if you need “big-city” action, you’ll be doing some driving. The economy is centered around agriculture, wine, and tourism, which can limit job options unless you bring your own income. And while it’s picturesque, it’s not immune to seasonal extremes — hot summers and chilly winters are part of the package.

I have friends who are great agents in Walla Walla, so reach out to me if you’d like an introduction. They’ll answer any questions you have and take great care of you if you decide that’s the place for you.

Reasons to Choose the Tri-Cities

I know I’m biased, but I really believe the best place to live in Washington is the beautiful Tri-Cities.

Our economy has been growing steadily for years, and is no longer dependent on government work at Hanford. Our biggest employers are a mix of government, education, and medical organizations. Lamb Weston and Tyson Foods are also two of our biggest employers. Amazon recently opened not one, but two processing facilities here. Our local airport connects to major hubs for American, Delta, United, and Alaska airlines, and also has flights from smaller airlines like Allegiant and Avelo.

Even though our population has grown significantly in the last decade, we still hold on to a small-town feel — high school sports are a Friday night and weekend staple, food trucks are popping up everywhere, farmers markets are a big hit from spring through fall, and a short drive to the edge of any town will bring you up close with horses, cows, sheep, and other farm animals.

To learn more about why I think Tri-Cities is the best place to live in Washington state, see these articles on my blog:

• Moving to Tri-Cities, WA? 7 Things You Need to Know
• Pros and Cons of Living in Tri-Cities, WA
• Is Tri-Cities a Good Place to Retire

And for the latest on home prices, see all our posts about the Tri-Cities real estate market — updated every month with data and my explanation of what it means to you as a home buyer.

Next Steps

No matter your current state in life — young, old, or anywhere in between … adventurer/outdoor-lover or stay-home-and-be-comfy person … whether you love warm, sunny days or prefer it to be more gray and wet — Washington has a place for you.

Feel free to call or text me anytime with questions or if you need a recommendation for someone to speak to around the state. My number is (509) 430-5342, or you can use the “TEXT US” tool below to message me directly. If you prefer to send an email, use the form below. I look forward to hearing from you!

– Cari

Notes about the data above

1. Cost of Living Index: Based on a national average of 100. Numbers above 100 indicate higher-than-average living costs.
2. Median Home Price: Reflects the median sale price of homes as of early 2025, via our real estate market research for the Tri-Cities and online sources like Redfin for other cities.
3. Average Rent (1BR): Represents the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment.
4. Average Snowfall and Rainfall: Annual averages in inches.
5. Average Summer High and Winter Low Temperatures: Typical high and low temperatures during summer and winter months, respectively.
6. Median Household Income: Latest available data for each city.
7. Kitsap County: Where county-level data isn’t available, we show data for Bremerton, the largest city in Kitsap County.
8. Tri-Cities: Where county-level data isn’t available, we show data for Kennewick, the largest city in our area. We have more Tri-Cities statistics here.

If you have a correction or suggestion about the data in this article, please get in touch. We want to keep this as accurate and current as possible!