Washington
For Americans thinking of retiring to Washington from another state, or comparing it with a move abroad. Prices in Washington run at 107 against a US average of 100, with housing at 126. We cover Washington's 39 counties on the map below, each with a page of its own, and no town in depth yet.
Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities by state, 2024 (SARPP, line codes 1-5), 2024-12-31
Washington is not compared with a town — compare two towns instead. Why?
Washington, a state of the United States, is not the same kind of thing as a town: it spans many counties and very different places. Putting a state-wide average beside one town's own figures produces a number that looks like an answer and describes nothing a person would experience — so the engine refuses that pairing rather than rendering it thinly. A town against another town, here or abroad, is like-for-like. Build a comparison →
Research in progress. Our quality assessment of the official sources for the United States is not finished yet. Every figure published here is sourced and dated.
Washington's 39 counties
Every county in Washington on its own figures, against every US county that has the same figure. Pick a county on the map or in the list.
- Lowest fifth of US counties
- Middle fifth
- Highest fifth (darker = a larger share 65+)
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- At least one hospital rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- None in the county
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- Bottom fifth of US counties
- Middle fifth
- Top fifth (darker = cheaper)
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- Bottom fifth of US counties
- Middle fifth
- Top fifth (darker = lower)
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- Bottom fifth of US counties
- Middle fifth
- Top fifth (darker = lower)
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- Bottom fifth of US counties
- Middle fifth
- Top fifth (darker = more)
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- Bottom fifth of US counties
- Middle fifth
- Top fifth (darker = lower)
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Outlines: US Census Bureau, cartographic boundary files (2024). A fifth is among every US county holding the figure, so a color means the same thing in every state.
All 39 counties, with their figures
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Adams County
21,488 residents, 2,627 aged 65 or older (12.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 97.4 Cheaper than 15 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Washington nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,750 Lower than 60 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Adams County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 3.0 months a year More than 2 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.96 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 81 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $7,198 · Original + drug plan USD $5,430 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Othello, Ritzville, Lind (Census, 1 July 2024).
Adams County page → -
Asotin County
22,545 residents, 6,158 aged 65 or older (27.3 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.2 Cheaper than 38 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Lewiston, ID-WA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,515 Lower than 67 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Asotin County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.23 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 57 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $7,354 · Original + drug plan USD $5,430 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Clarkston, Asotin (Census, 1 July 2024).
Asotin County page → -
Benton County
221,722 residents, 38,397 aged 65 or older (17.3 %)
- Cost of living
- 100.1 Cheaper than 9 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Kennewick-Richland, WA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,715 Lower than 61 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 5.6 per 100,000 a year Lower than 65 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.35 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 48 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,562 · Original + drug plan USD $5,430 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Kennewick, Richland, West Richland (Census, 1 July 2024).
Benton County page → -
Chelan County
81,941 residents, 18,616 aged 65 or older (22.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 103.9 Cheaper than 4 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,502 Lower than 67 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Chelan County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $3.63 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 4 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,934 · Original + drug plan USD $5,430 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Wenatchee, Chelan, Cashmere (Census, 1 July 2024).
Chelan County page → -
Clallam County
78,202 residents, 27,505 aged 65 or older (35.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 97.4 Cheaper than 15 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Washington nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,531 Lower than 66 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Clallam County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 1.0 months a year More than 1 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.23 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 15 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,110 · Original + drug plan USD $5,430 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Port Angeles, Sequim, Forks (Census, 1 July 2024).
Clallam County page → -
Clark County
532,119 residents, 98,214 aged 65 or older (18.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 105.4 Cheaper than 3 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,871 Lower than 57 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 4.0 per 100,000 a year Lower than 80 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.18 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 62 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,110 · Original + drug plan USD $5,430 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Vancouver, Camas, Battle Ground (Census, 1 July 2024).
Clark County page → -
Columbia County
4,141 residents, 1,288 aged 65 or older (31.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 97.4 Cheaper than 15 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Washington nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,972 Lower than 55 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Columbia County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $3.19 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 6 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $7,198 · Original + drug plan USD $5,430 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Dayton, Starbuck (Census, 1 July 2024).
Columbia County page → -
Cowlitz County
114,885 residents, 24,623 aged 65 or older (21.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 97.5 Cheaper than 14 % of the other 3,142 US counties Longview-Kelso, WA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,857 Lower than 58 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 4.5 per 100,000 a year Lower than 76 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.48 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 11 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,990 · Original + drug plan USD $5,430 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Longview, Kelso, Woodland (Census, 1 July 2024).
Cowlitz County page → -
Douglas County
46,473 residents, 9,288 aged 65 or older (20.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 103.9 Cheaper than 4 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,686 Lower than 62 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Douglas County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.75 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 9 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $7,066 · Original + drug plan USD $5,430 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: East Wenatchee, Bridgeport, Rock Island (Census, 1 July 2024).
Douglas County page → -
Ferry County
7,517 residents, 2,255 aged 65 or older (30.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 97.4 Cheaper than 15 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Washington nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,224 Lower than 76 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Ferry County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $3.27 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 5 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $7,198 · Original + drug plan USD $5,430 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest place: Republic (Census, 1 July 2024).
Ferry County page → -
Franklin County
102,612 residents, 11,547 aged 65 or older (11.3 %)
- Cost of living
- 100.1 Cheaper than 9 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Kennewick-Richland, WA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,538 Lower than 66 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 4.2 per 100,000 a year Lower than 78 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.66 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 30 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,190 · Original + drug plan USD $5,430 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Pasco, Connell, Mesa (Census, 1 July 2024).
Franklin County page → -
Garfield County
2,416 residents, 683 aged 65 or older (28.3 %)
- Cost of living
- 97.4 Cheaper than 15 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Washington nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,303 Lower than 74 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Garfield County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.69 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 9 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $7,198 · Original + drug plan USD $5,430 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest place: Pomeroy (Census, 1 July 2024).
Garfield County page → -
Grant County
105,727 residents, 16,756 aged 65 or older (15.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 97.4 Cheaper than 15 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Washington nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,733 Lower than 61 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 5.5 per 100,000 a year Lower than 65 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 3.0 months a year More than 2 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.89 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 86 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,934 · Original + drug plan USD $5,430 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Moses Lake, Ephrata, Quincy (Census, 1 July 2024).
Grant County page → -
Grays Harbor County
78,144 residents, 19,924 aged 65 or older (25.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 97.4 Cheaper than 15 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Washington nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,800 Lower than 59 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Grays Harbor County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $4.33 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 2 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $7,726 · Original + drug plan USD $5,430 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Aberdeen, Hoquiam, Ocean Shores (Census, 1 July 2024).
Grays Harbor County page → -
Island County
85,657 residents, 26,051 aged 65 or older (30.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 97.4 Cheaper than 15 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Washington nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,359 Lower than 72 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Island County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 2.0 months a year More than 1 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.34 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 49 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,190 · Original + drug plan USD $5,430 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Oak Harbor, Coupeville, Langley (Census, 1 July 2024).
Island County page → -
Jefferson County
33,970 residents, 15,013 aged 65 or older (44.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 97.4 Cheaper than 15 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Washington nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,498 Lower than 67 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Jefferson County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 2.0 months a year More than 1 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.79 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 25 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,430 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest place: Port Townsend (Census, 1 July 2024).
Jefferson County page → -
King County
2,344,939 residents, 355,535 aged 65 or older (15.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 111.1 Cheaper than 1 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,896 Lower than 57 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 10 hospitals in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 5.2 per 100,000 a year Lower than 70 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.20 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 15 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,990 · Original + drug plan USD $5,430 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Seattle, Bellevue, Kent (Census, 1 July 2024).
King County page → -
Kitsap County
283,374 residents, 62,136 aged 65 or older (21.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 105.6 Cheaper than 3 % of the other 3,142 US counties Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,698 Lower than 61 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 2.9 per 100,000 a year Lower than 89 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.87 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 22 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,430 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Bremerton, Bainbridge Island, Port Orchard (Census, 1 July 2024).
Kitsap County page → -
Kittitas County
48,803 residents, 9,977 aged 65 or older (20.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 97.4 Cheaper than 15 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Washington nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,499 Lower than 67 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Kittitas County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $4.44 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 1 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $7,198 · Original + drug plan USD $5,430 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Ellensburg, Cle Elum, Kittitas (Census, 1 July 2024).
Kittitas County page → -
Klickitat County
24,331 residents, 6,433 aged 65 or older (26.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 97.4 Cheaper than 15 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Washington nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,172 Lower than 78 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Klickitat County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $3.65 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 4 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $7,222 · Original + drug plan USD $5,430 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Goldendale, White Salmon, Bingen (Census, 1 July 2024).
Klickitat County page → -
Lewis County
88,062 residents, 20,045 aged 65 or older (22.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 97.4 Cheaper than 15 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Washington nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,341 Lower than 72 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Lewis County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $3.07 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 6 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,190 · Original + drug plan USD $5,430 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Centralia, Chehalis, Winlock (Census, 1 July 2024).
Lewis County page → -
Lincoln County
11,982 residents, 3,412 aged 65 or older (28.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 97.4 Cheaper than 15 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Washington nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,085 Lower than 80 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Lincoln County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 3.0 months a year More than 2 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.09 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 17 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $7,198 · Original + drug plan USD $5,430 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Davenport, Wilbur, Odessa (Census, 1 July 2024).
Lincoln County page → -
Mason County
71,165 residents, 18,345 aged 65 or older (25.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 97.4 Cheaper than 15 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Washington nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,555 Lower than 66 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Mason County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.53 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 11 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,562 · Original + drug plan USD $5,430 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest place: Shelton (Census, 1 July 2024).
Mason County page → -
Okanogan County
45,230 residents, 11,395 aged 65 or older (25.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 97.4 Cheaper than 15 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Washington nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,663 Lower than 62 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Okanogan County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $4.06 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 2 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,934 · Original + drug plan USD $5,430 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Omak, Okanogan, Brewster (Census, 1 July 2024).
Okanogan County page → -
Pacific County
24,357 residents, 8,435 aged 65 or older (34.6 %)
- Cost of living
- 97.4 Cheaper than 15 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Washington nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,504 Lower than 67 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Pacific County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 3.0 months a year More than 2 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $3.59 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 4 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $7,222 · Original + drug plan USD $5,430 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Raymond, South Bend, Long Beach (Census, 1 July 2024).
Pacific County page → -
Pend Oreille County
14,457 residents, 4,232 aged 65 or older (29.3 %)
- Cost of living
- 97.4 Cheaper than 15 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Washington nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,038 Lower than 81 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Pend Oreille County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.30 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 13 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $7,198 · Original + drug plan USD $5,430 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Newport, Ione, Metaline Falls (Census, 1 July 2024).
Pend Oreille County page → -
Pierce County
946,288 residents, 157,988 aged 65 or older (16.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 111.1 Cheaper than 1 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,170 Lower than 50 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 2 hospitals in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 6.5 per 100,000 a year Lower than 57 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 3.0 months a year More than 2 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.02 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 18 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,430 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Tacoma, Lakewood, Puyallup (Census, 1 July 2024).
Pierce County page → -
San Juan County
18,577 residents, 7,173 aged 65 or older (38.6 %)
- Cost of living
- 97.4 Cheaper than 15 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Washington nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,863 Lower than 86 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- San Juan County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 0.0 months a year More than 0 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.28 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 53 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $7,354 · Original + drug plan USD $5,430 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest place: Friday Harbor (Census, 1 July 2024).
San Juan County page → -
Skagit County
132,975 residents, 33,194 aged 65 or older (25.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 102.4 Cheaper than 6 % of the other 3,142 US counties Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,766 Lower than 60 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Skagit County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 3.0 months a year More than 2 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.15 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 16 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,430 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Mount Vernon, Anacortes, Sedro-Woolley (Census, 1 July 2024).
Skagit County page → -
Skamania County
12,669 residents, 3,291 aged 65 or older (26.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 105.4 Cheaper than 3 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,335 Lower than 72 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Skamania County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.49 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 11 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,430 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Stevenson, North Bonneville (Census, 1 July 2024).
Skamania County page → -
Snohomish County
870,656 residents, 142,928 aged 65 or older (16.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 111.1 Cheaper than 1 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,697 Lower than 62 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 2 hospitals in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 3.3 per 100,000 a year Lower than 87 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 3.0 months a year More than 2 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.70 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 28 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,430 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Everett, Marysville, Edmonds (Census, 1 July 2024).
Snohomish County page → -
Spokane County
558,344 residents, 108,064 aged 65 or older (19.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 100.3 Cheaper than 8 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,926 Lower than 56 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 2 hospitals in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 5.2 per 100,000 a year Lower than 70 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.64 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 98 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,430 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Spokane, Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake (Census, 1 July 2024).
Spokane County page → -
Stevens County
49,668 residents, 13,803 aged 65 or older (27.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 100.3 Cheaper than 8 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,061 Lower than 81 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Stevens County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.64 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 31 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,934 · Original + drug plan USD $5,430 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Colville, Chewelah, Kettle Falls (Census, 1 July 2024).
Stevens County page → -
Thurston County
304,261 residents, 62,678 aged 65 or older (20.6 %)
- Cost of living
- 103.7 Cheaper than 5 % of the other 3,142 US counties Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,067 Lower than 52 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 3.2 per 100,000 a year Lower than 88 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.09 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 17 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,430 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Lacey, Olympia, Tumwater (Census, 1 July 2024).
Thurston County page → -
Wahkiakum County
4,873 residents, 1,663 aged 65 or older (34.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 97.4 Cheaper than 15 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Washington nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,110 Lower than 79 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Wahkiakum County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.67 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 10 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,430 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest place: Cathlamet (Census, 1 July 2024).
Wahkiakum County page → -
Walla Walla County
62,361 residents, 13,765 aged 65 or older (22.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 98.5 Cheaper than 12 % of the other 3,142 US counties Walla Walla, WA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,989 Lower than 54 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Walla Walla County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.14 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 65 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,562 · Original + drug plan USD $5,430 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Walla Walla, College Place, Waitsburg (Census, 1 July 2024).
Walla Walla County page → -
Whatcom County
236,392 residents, 49,331 aged 65 or older (20.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 103.3 Cheaper than 5 % of the other 3,142 US counties Bellingham, WA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,442 Lower than 69 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 1.9 per 100,000 a year Lower than 97 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 2.0 months a year More than 1 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.51 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 38 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,154 · Original + drug plan USD $5,430 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Bellingham, Lynden, Ferndale (Census, 1 July 2024).
Whatcom County page → -
Whitman County
48,512 residents, 6,518 aged 65 or older (13.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 97.4 Cheaper than 15 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Washington nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,619 Lower than 64 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Whitman County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 3.0 months a year More than 2 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.04 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 75 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $7,354 · Original + drug plan USD $5,430 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Pullman, Colfax, Palouse (Census, 1 July 2024).
Whitman County page → -
Yakima County
259,185 residents, 41,277 aged 65 or older (15.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 95.5 Cheaper than 21 % of the other 3,142 US counties Yakima, WA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,780 Lower than 59 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 12.3 per 100,000 a year Lower than 26 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.50 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 38 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,190 · Original + drug plan USD $5,430 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Yakima, Sunnyside, Grandview (Census, 1 July 2024).
Yakima County page →
Sources: US Census Bureau, county population estimates by age, 1 July 2025; BEA Regional Price Parities 2024, all items, of each county's metropolitan area or its state's nonmetropolitan portion; The state's published 2025 income-tax rules, the county's own local income tax where one is levied, and the county's Census ACS property-tax ratio, applied to the example household; CMS, Hospital General Information (Care Compare), hospital overall star rating, release of 13 Aug 2026; CHELSA V2.1 monthly maximum temperature, 1981-2010 (~1 km), averaged over the county, Karger et al.; FEMA, National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), county expected annual loss to buildings (EAL_VALB); CMS, Medicare Advantage and Part D Landscape, plan year 2027; CMS, 2026 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles (fact sheet, 14 Nov 2025); CDC WONDER, Underlying Cause of Death 2018-2024 (Single Race, final), by county of residence.
Where Washington stands, on the six criteria
Washington's six figures are the ones that set its place on the state ranking, where it sits in Tier 14 of 16. Each is measured for the whole of Washington, not for any single place within it.
| Criterion | Washington |
|---|---|
| Cost of living BEA price level, all items (US = 100); lower is better |
107.0 Cheaper than 10% of the other 50 · housing 126.0 · goods 104.4 · utilities 92.9 · other services 103.9
BEA Regional Price Parities by state, 2024 (SARPP, line codes 1-5) · figure for 2024 · checked 2026-08-28
|
| Taxes on a retired couple state and local tax on the example retired couple, USD a year; lower is better |
USD $2,824 (90% margin USD $2,810–$2,838) Lower than 58% of the other 50
Each state's published 2025 income-tax rules and the Census ACS property-tax ratio, applied to the example household · figure for 2025
|
| Healthcare access share of residents 65+ living in a county with a 4- or 5-star CMS hospital; higher is better |
74 % of residents 65+ Higher than 74% of the other 50
CMS, Hospital General Information (Care Compare), hospital overall star rating, release of 13 Aug 2026, weighted by each county's population 65+ (US Census Bureau, 1 July 2025) · figure for 2026 · checked 2026-10-27
|
| Safety homicides per 100,000 a year, 2020–2024, by state of residence; lower is better |
4.7 per 100,000 a year (95% interval 4.5–5.0) Lower than 66% of the other 50
CDC WONDER, Underlying Cause of Death 2018-2024 (Single Race, final), by state of residence · figure for 2024 · checked 2026-10-27
|
| Climate months a year whose mean daily high is 18–29 °C (64–84 °F), 1981–2010; more is better |
3.7 months a year More than 8% of the other 50
CHELSA V2.1 monthly maximum temperature, 1981-2010 (~1 km), averaged over the county, Karger et al., weighted by each county's population 65+ (US Census Bureau, 1 July 2025) · figure for 2010 · checked 2026-10-27
|
| Natural-hazard risk expected yearly loss to buildings from natural hazards, per USD $1,000 of buildings; lower is better |
USD $1.95 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 14% of the other 50
FEMA, National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), state expected annual loss to buildings (EAL_VALB) · figure for 2025 · checked 2026-10-27
|
Medicare in Washington
For the published example couple, both 67 and married: what Medicare premiums cost a year for two in Washington, and the most a bad year can cost. What care itself costs depends on a person's health, so it is not estimated here.
Medicare Advantage, with drug coverage
USD $4,990 a year for two in premiums (from USD $4,870)
At most USD $19,020 in a bad year (from USD $16,670), with each person's in-network out-of-pocket maximum
The middle of the 22 plans offered here; "from" is the lowest premium among them.
Original Medicare, with a drug plan
USD $5,430 a year for two in premiums (from USD $4,997)
Medigap: no federal price list — not in this total.
No yearly maximum on Original Medicare alone.
Part B for two, plus the middle of the 8 standalone drug plans offered in the state.
The middle of Washington's 39 counties, weighted by residents 65 or older (US Census Bureau, 1 July 2025).
The 2027 Part B premium is not yet published (CMS usually publishes it in November); 2026's is used.
Source: CMS, Medicare Advantage and Part D Landscape, plan year 2027; CMS, 2026 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles (fact sheet, 14 Nov 2025).
Washington lets anyone enrolled in Medigap Plan B through N switch at any time to another Plan B through N, and anyone with Plan A switch to another Plan A, without a written health screening questionnaire. Washington's rule
Free, official Medicare counseling in Washington: Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA), 1-800-562-6900 (the State Health Insurance Assistance Program).
Retiring to Washington: pros and cons, by the figures
Retiring to Washington, judged on the six figures above: a pro is a figure in the top fifth of the states, a con one in the bottom fifth. Figures in between get no verdict.
Pros
None of Washington's six figures is in the top fifth of the states.
Cons
- Cost of living: dearer than 90% of the other 50 (107.0). BEA Regional Price Parities by state, 2024 (SARPP, line codes 1-5)
- Climate: fewer than 92% of the other 50 (3.7 months a year). CHELSA V2.1 monthly maximum temperature, 1981-2010 (~1 km), averaged over the county, Karger et al., weighted by each county's population 65+ (US Census Bureau, 1 July 2025)
- Natural-hazard risk: higher than 86% of the other 50 (USD $1.95 per USD $1,000 of buildings). FEMA, National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), state expected annual loss to buildings (EAL_VALB)
Also shown, not scored
Washington's other state-wide figures: shown for context, not part of its tier. Measured for the whole of Washington — not for any single place within it.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
|
Population
Total resident population, US Census Bureau estimate for 1 July 2025.
How this is measuredTotal resident population, Census Bureau estimate as of 1 July 2025, as reported in SSA's Table 1. Bigger is not better — this axis exists for context, never for ranking. |
8,001,020 people |
|
Population 65 plus
Residents aged 65 or older, US Census Bureau estimate for 1 July 2025.
How this is measuredResident population aged 65 or older, Census Bureau estimate as of 1 July 2025, as reported in SSA's Table 1. |
1,460,563 people |
|
Social security beneficiary share
Everyone receiving Social Security — retired, disabled, survivors and dependants — as a share of the population, 2025.
How this is measuredAll OASDI beneficiaries — retired workers, disabled workers, survivors and dependants — as a percentage of the total resident population. SSA Table 1 (2025), population as of 1 July 2025. Not the same measure as the county-level retired-worker share. |
19.1 percent |
Source for every figure: SSA Table 1 (2025) · Census population as of 1 July 2025 · figure for 2025 · checked 2026-08-28 Official source
Taxes on a retired couple in Washington
We apply Washington's published rules for tax year 2025 to one example household and show the sum, line by line. These are rules already in force for 2025, not a projection.
The example household
| Filing status | married filing jointly, both aged 67 |
|---|---|
| Social Security | USD $45,000 a year, combined |
| Private pension | USD $25,000 a year |
| IRA or 401(k) withdrawal | USD $20,000 a year |
| Home, for property tax | USD $350,000 |
An illustrative household, the same for every state so states can be compared. Each spouse holds half of each income. Your own figures will differ.
Washington's rules applied
| No state income tax on this household's income in 2025 Washington Department of Revenue: Income tax | USD $0 |
|---|---|
| Property tax on a USD $350,000 home, at the state's median taxes paid ÷ median home value US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, table B25103 | USD $2,824 |
| State and local tax, a year | USD $2,824 |
Federal income tax is left out: it is the same in every state, so it cannot separate them. Sales tax is left out too: it depends on what a household buys, and no state publishes an average of its local rates. The rate is listed below.
The rules behind the sum
- State sales tax 6.5 %, plus the city or county rate: 6.5 % Washington Department of Revenue: Retail sales tax · checked Oct 26, 2026
We don't cover a town in Washington yet. See the towns we cover in the United States.
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