Cost of Living in Walla Walla, WA
Walla Walla, WA — prices, rents and what jobs really pay here after taxes.
Salary comparison calculator
What would you need to earn in Walla Walla, WA to keep the same lifestyle — after taxes — as in another city?
Prices in Walla Walla, WA vs. the U.S. average
| Category | Index (U.S. = 100) | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| All items | 98.5 | −1.5% |
| Housing | 86.6 | −13.4% |
| Goods | 105.0 | +5.0% |
| Utilities | 94.3 | −5.7% |
| Other services | 99.5 | −0.5% |
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024.
Rent in Walla Walla, WA
| Unit | Monthly rent | Income needed (30% rule) |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,074 | $42,960/yr |
| 1 bedroom | $1,181 | $47,240/yr |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,550 | $62,000/yr |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,118 | $84,720/yr |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,600 | $104,000/yr |
HUD Fair Market Rents, FY2026, population-weighted across the metro's counties.
Take-home pay in Walla Walla, WA
- Federal income tax$4,192
- Social Security (6.2%)$3,292
- Medicare (1.45%)$770
- Washington income tax$0
- Take-home pay$44,846
Marginal rate: 12% federal + 0.00% state
Highest-paying jobs in Walla Walla, WA
| Job | Median salary | Take-home | Real value* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $116,970 | $91,118 | $92,488 |
| Office Clerks, General | $48,310 | $40,997 | $41,613 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide | $47,700 | $40,507 | $41,116 |
| Retail Salesperson | $36,620 | $31,604 | $32,079 |
| Cashier | $35,930 | $31,050 | $31,517 |
| Fast Food and Counter Worker | $35,020 | $30,319 | $30,774 |
*In U.S.-average dollars after adjusting for local prices.
Frequently asked questions
Is Walla Walla, WA expensive to live in?
According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, overall prices in the Walla Walla, WA metro area are 98.5% of the U.S. average, with housing at 86.6%. It is the #102 most expensive of 387 metro areas we track.
What salary do you need to live in Walla Walla, WA?
To match the buying power of a $60,000 salary in an average-priced U.S. city you would need about $59,111 in Walla Walla, WA (before tax differences). The median wage across all jobs here is $53,100.
How much is rent in Walla Walla, WA?
HUD’s FY2026 fair market rents for Walla Walla, WA are $1,074 for a studio, $1,181 for one bedroom, $1,550 for two bedrooms and $2,118 for three bedrooms, including utilities.
All salaries in Walla Walla, WA
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations
- Registered Nurse — $116,970
Healthcare Support Occupations
- Home Health and Personal Care Aide — $47,700
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
- Fast Food and Counter Worker — $35,020
Sales and Related Occupations
- Retail Salesperson — $36,620
- Cashier — $35,930
Office and Administrative Support Occupations
- Office Clerks, General — $48,310