Washington · 2026 Federal Benchmarks

Cost of Living in Walla Walla, WA

The median household in Walla Walla, WA earns $66,748 a year ($5,562/month) according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS data. Benchmark 2-bedroom rent is $1,550/month under HUD Fair Market Rents, requiring an annual income of at least $62,000 under the federal 30% housing rule, with overall consumer prices sitting 1.5% below the national baseline.

Key Economic Benchmarks

Median Household Income

$66,748$5,562 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year
2-Bedroom Rent$1,550HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent
Price Parity (RPP)98.5-1.5% vs national baseline
Electricity Rate14.9¢per kWh · EIA Residential WA
Census Population33,925Official resident count

Fair market rent & 30% rule in Walla Walla, WA

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

Affordable (< 30% of income)
HUD Fair Market Rent$1,550Monthly market rent
Share of gross income27.9%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$62,000To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$1,669At 30% of $66,748
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:

2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Walla Walla, WA

Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Walla Walla, 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 Walla Walla, WA
Unit SizeMonthly RentAnnual Rent30% Rule Min. Income% of Median Income
Studio / Efficiency$1,074$12,888$42,96019.3%
1-Bedroom Apartment$1,181$14,172$47,24021.2%
2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark$1,550$18,600$62,00027.9%
3-Bedroom Home$2,118$25,416$84,72038.1%
4-Bedroom Home$2,600$31,200$104,00046.7%

See dedicated rental breakdown for Walla Walla, WA →

50/30/20 Living Budget in Walla Walla, WA

Based on the local median household income of $66,748/year ($5,562/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:

Needs (50%)$2,781/moRent ($1,550 2-BR), utilities (~$134/mo), groceries, transit
Wants (30%)$1,669/moDiscretionary spending: dining, leisure, recreation at 98.5 RPP price level
Savings & Debt (20%)$1,112/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.

$66,748
$25,000$135,000
Filing status:
Gross salary breakdown$66,748
Net 84%
Fed 9%
FICA 8%
Annual take-home$55,787After all taxes
Monthly deposit$4,649Estimated per month
Biweekly paycheck$2,146Every 2 weeks (26/yr)
Effective tax rate16.4%Total tax burden
Federal income tax$5,855 / yr
Washington state income taxNo state wage tax$0
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)$5,106 / yr

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Walla Walla, WA

What is the median household income in Walla Walla, WA?

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Walla Walla, WA is $66,748 per year (approximately $5,562 per month).

What is the average rent in Walla Walla, WA?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Walla Walla, WA are $1,074 for a studio, $1,181 for 1 bedroom, $1,550 for 2 bedrooms, $2,118 for 3 bedrooms, and $2,600 for 4 bedrooms.

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

Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Walla Walla, WA is 98.5 (1.5% lower than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).

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

Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($1,550/month) in Walla Walla, WA requires a minimum gross household income of $62,000 per year ($5,167 per month).

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

For a typical household earning the median income of $66,748/year ($5,562/month) in Walla Walla, WA, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $2,781/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,669/month to discretionary spending, and $1,112/month to savings and debt repayment.

What are typical electricity and utility costs in Walla Walla, 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.