Washington · 2026 Federal Benchmarks

Cost of Living in Wenatchee, WA

The median household in Wenatchee, WA earns $73,040 a year ($6,087/month) according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS data. Benchmark 2-bedroom rent is $1,500/month under HUD Fair Market Rents, requiring an annual income of at least $60,000 under the federal 30% housing rule, with overall consumer prices sitting 3.9% above the national baseline.

Key Economic Benchmarks

Median Household Income

$73,040$6,087 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year
2-Bedroom Rent$1,500HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent
Price Parity (RPP)103.9+3.9% vs national baseline
Electricity Rate14.9¢per kWh · EIA Residential WA
Census Population35,484Official resident count

Fair market rent & 30% rule in Wenatchee, WA

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

Affordable (< 30% of income)
HUD Fair Market Rent$1,500Monthly market rent
Share of gross income24.6%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$60,000To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$1,826At 30% of $73,040
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:

2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Wenatchee, WA

Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, 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 Wenatchee, WA
Unit SizeMonthly RentAnnual Rent30% Rule Min. Income% of Median Income
Studio / Efficiency$1,034$12,408$41,36017%
1-Bedroom Apartment$1,143$13,716$45,72018.8%
2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark$1,500$18,000$60,00024.6%
3-Bedroom Home$2,063$24,756$82,52033.9%
4-Bedroom Home$2,516$30,192$100,64041.3%

See dedicated rental breakdown for Wenatchee, WA →

50/30/20 Living Budget in Wenatchee, WA

Based on the local median household income of $73,040/year ($6,087/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:

Needs (50%)$3,043/moRent ($1,500 2-BR), utilities (~$134/mo), groceries, transit
Wants (30%)$1,826/moDiscretionary spending: dining, leisure, recreation at 103.9 RPP price level
Savings & Debt (20%)$1,217/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.

$73,040
$25,000$150,000
Filing status:
Gross salary breakdown$73,040
Net 82%
Fed 10%
FICA 8%
Annual take-home$60,214After all taxes
Monthly deposit$5,018Estimated per month
Biweekly paycheck$2,316Every 2 weeks (26/yr)
Effective tax rate17.6%Total tax burden
Federal income tax$7,239 / yr
Washington state income taxNo state wage tax$0
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)$5,588 / yr

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Wenatchee, WA

What is the median household income in Wenatchee, WA?

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Wenatchee, WA is $73,040 per year (approximately $6,087 per month).

What is the average rent in Wenatchee, WA?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Wenatchee, WA are $1,034 for a studio, $1,143 for 1 bedroom, $1,500 for 2 bedrooms, $2,063 for 3 bedrooms, and $2,516 for 4 bedrooms.

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

Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Wenatchee, WA is 103.9 (3.9% higher than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).

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

Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($1,500/month) in Wenatchee, WA requires a minimum gross household income of $60,000 per year ($5,000 per month).

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

For a typical household earning the median income of $73,040/year ($6,087/month) in Wenatchee, WA, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $3,043/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,826/month to discretionary spending, and $1,217/month to savings and debt repayment.

What are typical electricity and utility costs in Wenatchee, 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.