What Is A Livable Salary In Washington State?

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Washington State is a wonderful place to call home, featuring its stunning mountains, healthy economy, and plentiful job market. There is, of course, a high cost of living, and individuals wonder how much they actually need to earn in order to comfortably reside in Washington. Whether one is considering moving to the state or is already living there, having a clear understanding of what is a living wage can help in better financial planning.

The Minimum Living Costs In Washington State And How Much You Should Earn In Order To Cover Your Needs

A living wage is having enough to cover basics like housing, food, transportation, medical care, and other necessities and not having to constantly worry about money. It is different depending upon where in Washington State you live since parts of Seattle are much more expensive than rural towns.

One adult usually needs to earn between $45,000 and $55,000 per year to meet minimum needs in Washington. It is much higher if one has a family. One could easily spend about $85,000 to $100,000 per year to comfortably meet one's needs if one has a family of four.

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What Are Some Of The Reasons Why Washington State Is More Costly To Live In Than Other Places?

Housing is one of the most prominent reasons Washington is not low in cost. Seattle and Bellevue, especially, are high in home and rental costs due to their booming economy and scarce number of homes. It is not difficult to find a one-bedroom apartment in Seattle for $2,000 per month, while smaller towns can find renters paying roughly $1,200 per month.

Transportation, food, and medical services are other contributing elements. There is no state income tax (leaving more of your hard-earned dollars in your paycheck), but property and sales tax are high. These add up, and living is more expensive than in many other states.

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What Are The Types Of Jobs That Can Support A Livable Salary In Washington State?

The good news is that Washington has a strong economy and many high-paying job openings. The state has many of the highest-paying industries, which are:

Tech Jobs: Companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google, which maintain branches in Washington, offer above-living wages. Tech jobs start at $80,000 or better per year.

Healthcare Careers: Nurses, doctors, and medical staff enjoy lucrative salaries of between $60,000 and well over $100,000 per year.

Trade Jobs: Electricians, plumbers, and construction laborers can command good wages, often well in excess of $50,000 per year, depending on experience.

Government Jobs: There are many state and local government jobs that offer secure salaries and great benefits, and their salaries usually start at $50,000 or more.

If you want to find employment in Washington, these industries can prove to be the most lucrative to earn a good income.

The Several Strategies To Keep Washington State Affordable Even On People With A Lower Income

Not everyone becomes a high earner, but Washington can be made economical to live in. These are some of the ways to do this:

  • Live outside of large cities. The living costs are much lower in towns such as Tacoma, Spokane, or Everett compared to Seattle.

  • Take public transportation. Rather than having to purchase and maintain a vehicle and cover gas and insurance, taking light rail or buses can save you.

  • Find roommates. If you can split rent and bills with other individuals, you can lower your home costs significantly.

  • Improve your earning potential. Learn new skills, gain certifications, or transition into higher-paid industries to earn better salaries in the future.

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The Reasons Why Washington State Is Still A Great Place To Call Home Despite Having A High Cost Of Living

Despite how expensive Washington is to reside in, there are numerous excellent benefits to it. The state is income-tax-free, has beautiful outdoors, great job opportunities, and a healthy economy. Provided that you can find well-paid work and manage to spend within your means, Washington can be an excellent place to live.

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The Overall Cost Of Money To Live Comfortably In Washington State Based On Location And Lifestyle

The dollar figure one needs to comfortably survive in Washington is relative to where one resides, lifestyle, and one's personal needs. Overall, one should aim to earn at least $50,000 to $55,000 per year, but couples and families can take upwards of $90,000 or more. If you are moving to Washington or simply looking to improve yourself in financial ways, this knowledge can help guide you in making smart decisions about where to live and how to pursue a career. Sure, Washington is an expensive place, but if you can secure the right job and take care of your finances, there is no reason that you cannot enjoy this great state.