Olympia's 2026 cost of living is $2837 per month for singles and $6247 per month for families of four.
Living costs in Olympia are 15% higher than the U.S. national average and 22% higher than Washington's state average.
This reflects a 3% increase from 2025.
The primary drivers of Olympia's cost of living are soaring housing costs, elevated transportation expenses, and rising food prices.
See how Olympia's cost of living affects your budget or salary needs with Salary.com's free Cost of Living Calculator.
Cost of Living Calculator
How does Olympia's cost of living compare to the national average in 2026?
Living in Olympia is more expensive than the national average,
with housing costs 1.6 % higher at $1219
per month for a single person and $2235 per month for a family of four.
Food expenses run 9.1 %
below average at $364
monthly for an individual and $1182 for a family,
while energy, transportation and healthcare costs are 7.9 % lower at about $806 per month
for one person and $1754 for a household.
These costs bring the total monthly expenses to $2389
for a single person and $5171 for a family of four,
making Olympia one of America's most expensive cities.
How does the cost of living compare when moving from other major cities to Olympia?
Olympia's 2025 cost of living is 65% lower than San Francisco,
25% less than Washington, 2% below Miami
, 2% higher than Chicago, 34% less than Boston
, and 53% below New York.
Essential for evaluating relocation costs and salary needs in Olympia.
Olympia is the capital of the U.S. state of Washington and the county seat of Thurston County. European settlers claimed the area in 1846, with the Treaty of Medicine Creek initiated in 1854, and the Treaty of Olympia initiated in January 1856.
Olympia was incorporated as a town on January 28, 1859, and as a City in 1882. The population was 46,479 as of the 2010 census, making it the 24th largest city in the state. The city borders Lacey to the east and Tumwater to the south. Olympia is a cultural center of the southern Puget Sound region. Olympia is located 60 miles (100 km) southwest of Seat...
Source: Wikipedia (as of 04/11/2019). Read more from Wikipedia
Comments about the cost of living in Olympia, WA
I love to be able to eat at restaurants and try different foods, if I include that along with groceries in my overall cost of living, how would I do in Olympia, WA?
In Olympia, Washington going out to eat at a restaurant and buying food is considered to be affordable. Make sure you take this into account as you plan your overall cost of living in Olympia, WA. (2026-08-26salary.com)
I love to go to sports events, what does Olympia, Washington have to offer?
Olympia, WA does not have a major sports team, but don’t worry, check out local colleges and high school sports schedules. These games usually have very cheap tickets and the spirit and enthusiasm of the crowd often makes up for the level of skill. (2026-08-26salary.com)
What is the cost of internet and cable TV in Olympia, WA?
The average cost of internet access in the U.S. is $66.20 per month. There are many providers and various packages that are offered, many that bundle internet, cable, and phone together. Pricing for various packages can vary a lot even in the same location. You should evaluate the options based on your usage and preferences and pick the best fit for your needs. One tip to reduce this cost and your overall cost of living, is to get cable service from another source like Direct TV, Netflix, Sling, Amazon Prime or others. (2026-08-26salary.com)
I am nervous about moving, what is the typical cost of moving to another city and what should I have to think about?
The average cost of moving to another state is around $5,600 for a distance of 1,200 miles. This price can vary a lot if the distance is greater and depending on how much is being moved. Even if your employer is covering the cost of a move, there will still be costs that are not covered. A cost that typically occurs is that your existing furniture and accessories are either too large, too small, or not appropriate for your new home. You may find that after you move, you will need to purchase many new items for the new location, for example, window coverings, rugs, lighting, and outdoor gear. Make sure you budget for these types of expenses and include them in the first year’s cost of living at your new location. Finally, although there is no dollar cost, is the stress of moving, which will increase if you have children or pets. Make sure you prepare in advance for what additional TLC those kids and pets will need to have a good move. (2026-08-26salary.com)
Is the cost of electricity in Olympia, Washington expected to change in the future?
The cost of electricity in Washington has gone down by 1.608% in the past year. It is possible that electric rates may fluctuate depending on consumption rates, government regulations and even the weather. (2026-08-26salary.com)
What kind of child care is available in Olympia, Washington and what is the cost?
The estimated average annual cost for child care in Olympia, Washington (based on state average), is $12733. This cost is ranked NO. 10 nationally. Some employers have company provided day care centers that let you bring your child to work with you and receive care on site. Some colleges and universities with Childhood Education programs also may have day care centers available at reduced costs, so you should explore those possibilities to see if you can reduce your child care expense. (2026-08-26salary.com)
Should I plan on spending a lot on rent in Olympia,WA?
In Olympia,WA, my friend pays $1100 for a large 2 bedroom apartment. Since he has 2 children, he needs to have a large apartment. (2026-08-26salary.com)
Are there fun things to in Olympia, Washington that are free or don’t cost a lot?
Looks for areas of Olympia, Washington where there is a large student population. In those areas you will be sure to find lots of free or cheap events to go to and plenty of cheap places to eat. Familiarize yourself with the places where students hang out, and take advantage of discounted or bargain prices, you are sure to be able to keep your cost of living reasonable. Look at the website for Olympia, WA to find recommendations for activities that are available and unique to the area. (2026-08-26salary.com)
Will I have to pay a lot in taxes if I move to Olympia, Washington?
The sales tax for Olympia is 6.5%. This is the tax that you will pay on things that you buy. (2026-08-26salary.com)
Can you save money using public transport?
You could save up to $1,000 per year, depending on your location, by using public transport instead of driving. Not only will you reduce the stress of driving and finding a place to park once you reach your destination, your car and tires will last longer, and you will spend less on gas. A side benefit is that you may be able to relax, work, or read on the way to work, or get to know and chat with other commuters. Some employers offer employees reduced fee bus or transit passes, so check that out with your employer. (2026-08-26salary.com)
Cost of Living Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Cost of Living index and how is it used?
In the simplest terms, a Cost of Living index is the estimated amount that represents the cost of the basic necessities required for an individual to live. A cost of living or COL estimate may typically include estimates for housing, food, energy, medical care, transportation, taxes, and other necessities. A COL index may be used to measure what the cost difference would be for a person living in a certain location compared to another location. This cost of living comparison helps individuals make decisions about where they would like to live and what they can afford based on the costs in that location. A cost of living comparison can provide guidance about how an increase or decrease in these basic living expenses impacts necessary spending for an individual or a family.
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What factors are included in estimating your cost of living?
The Salary.com cost of living calculator estimate is based on data related to five general categories: housing, food, healthcare, transportation, and energy. These are the universally recognized core components of any cost of living estimate and represent those expenses that apply to everyone. Obviously, there may be other factors that could contribute to your particular cost of living situation and not everyone has the same spending habits. For example, education and/or childcare costs might not apply to everyone, but for those who have those expenses, they could be significant and should be considered when you evaluate your cost of living comparison.
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The Salary.com cost of living calculator is unique in that it also incorporates current salary data for thousands of jobs specific to a chosen home or work location to provide a more refined estimate of the cost of living variations. You can see how your job and your salary will be impacted by a change of location. If you live in one location but work in another, the cost of living calculator will make those adjustments to provide an accurate estimate of the change in COL. The Salary.com cost of living calculator helps you to make cost of living comparisons cost comparisons easily and quickly.
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Use our Salary Converter Tool, a user-friendly resource designed to see how much your salary will be if converted into hourly/weekly/biweekly/monthly/yearly pay. With just a few clicks, you can gain valuable insights into your earning potential, ensuring you make informed financial decisions.
Use our Salary Converter Tool, a user-friendly resource designed to see how much your salary will be if converted into hourly/weekly/biweekly/monthly/yearly pay. With just a few clicks, you can gain valuable insights into your earning potential, ensuring you make informed financial decisions.
