Key Economic Benchmarks
Median Household Income
$124,746$10,396 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-YearFair market rent & 30% rule in King County, WA
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: King County, WA
Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Seattle-Bellevue, WA HUD Metro FMR Area. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.
| Unit Size | Monthly Rent | Annual Rent | 30% Rule Min. Income | % of Median Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / Efficiency | $2,074 | $24,888 | $82,960 | 20% |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $2,146 | $25,752 | $85,840 | 20.6% |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark | $2,501 | $30,012 | $100,040 | 24.1% |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $3,272 | $39,264 | $130,880 | 31.5% |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $3,847 | $46,164 | $153,880 | 37% |
50/30/20 Living Budget in King County, WA
Based on the local median household income of $124,746/year ($10,396/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:
Take-Home Pay & Tax Explorer in Washington
Explore net income after federal income tax, FICA, and Washington state income tax based on the local median baseline.
Related Regional & Financial Profiles
Compare earnings and living costs across Washington with official federal datasets:
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in King County, WA
What is the median household income in King County, WA?
According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in King County, WA is $124,746 per year (approximately $10,396 per month).
What is the average rent in King County, WA?
According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in King County, WA are $2,074 for a studio, $2,146 for 1 bedroom, $2,501 for 2 bedrooms, $3,272 for 3 bedrooms, and $3,847 for 4 bedrooms.
How does the cost of living in King County, WA compare to the national average?
Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in King County, WA is 111.1 (11.1% higher than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).
How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in King County, WA?
Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($2,501/month) in King County, WA requires a minimum gross household income of $100,040 per year ($8,337 per month).
What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in King County, WA?
For a typical household earning the median income of $124,746/year ($10,396/month) in King County, WA, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $5,198/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $3,119/month to discretionary spending, and $2,079/month to savings and debt repayment.
What are typical electricity and utility costs in King County, WA?
Residential electricity rates in Washington average 14.9¢ per kWh according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). For an average home using 900 kWh per month, the estimated electric bill is approximately $134 per month.