Washington · 2026 Federal Benchmarks

Cost of Living in Lacey, WA

The median household in Lacey, WA earns $90,625 a year ($7,552/month) according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS data. Benchmark 2-bedroom rent is $1,960/month under HUD Fair Market Rents, requiring an annual income of at least $78,400 under the federal 30% housing rule, with overall consumer prices sitting 3.7% above the national baseline.

Key Economic Benchmarks

Median Household Income

$90,625$7,552 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year
2-Bedroom Rent$1,960HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent
Price Parity (RPP)103.7+3.7% vs national baseline
Electricity Rate14.9¢per kWh · EIA Residential WA
Census Population57,737Official resident count

Fair market rent & 30% rule in Lacey, WA

Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.

Affordable (< 30% of income)
HUD Fair Market Rent$1,960Monthly market rent
Share of gross income26%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$78,400To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$2,266At 30% of $90,625
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:

2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Lacey, WA

Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA MSA. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.

HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent Schedule for Lacey, WA
Unit SizeMonthly RentAnnual Rent30% Rule Min. Income% of Median Income
Studio / Efficiency$1,538$18,456$61,52020.4%
1-Bedroom Apartment$1,682$20,184$67,28022.3%
2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark$1,960$23,520$78,40026%
3-Bedroom Home$2,613$31,356$104,52034.6%
4-Bedroom Home$3,288$39,456$131,52043.5%

See dedicated rental breakdown for Lacey, WA →

50/30/20 Living Budget in Lacey, WA

Based on the local median household income of $90,625/year ($7,552/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:

Needs (50%)$3,776/moRent ($1,960 2-BR), utilities (~$134/mo), groceries, transit
Wants (30%)$2,266/moDiscretionary spending: dining, leisure, recreation at 103.7 RPP price level
Savings & Debt (20%)$1,510/moEmergency fund, 401(k), IRA retirement, student loan and debt reduction

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.

$90,625
$35,000$185,000
Filing status:
Gross salary breakdown$90,625
Net 80%
Fed 12%
FICA 8%
Annual take-home$72,585After all taxes
Monthly deposit$6,049Estimated per month
Biweekly paycheck$2,792Every 2 weeks (26/yr)
Effective tax rate19.9%Total tax burden
Federal income tax$11,108 / yr
Washington state income taxNo state wage tax$0
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)$6,933 / yr

Compare earnings and living costs across Washington with official federal datasets:

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Lacey, WA

What is the median household income in Lacey, WA?

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Lacey, WA is $90,625 per year (approximately $7,552 per month).

What is the average rent in Lacey, WA?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Lacey, WA are $1,538 for a studio, $1,682 for 1 bedroom, $1,960 for 2 bedrooms, $2,613 for 3 bedrooms, and $3,288 for 4 bedrooms.

How does the cost of living in Lacey, WA compare to the national average?

Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Lacey, WA is 103.7 (3.7% higher than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).

How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Lacey, WA?

Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($1,960/month) in Lacey, WA requires a minimum gross household income of $78,400 per year ($6,533 per month).

What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Lacey, WA?

For a typical household earning the median income of $90,625/year ($7,552/month) in Lacey, WA, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $3,776/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $2,266/month to discretionary spending, and $1,510/month to savings and debt repayment.

What are typical electricity and utility costs in Lacey, 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.