COST OF LIVING

Median Home Price (Single Family)

$1.2M – $1.5M

Varies significantly by neighborhood and zip code. Waterfront and downtown properties command a premium.

Median Condo/Townhome Price

$500K – $800K

New construction condos near Totem Lake and downtown Kirkland are on the higher end.

Average Monthly Rent (1BR)

$1,800 – $2,400

Newer apartment complexes and waterfront units trend higher.

Average Monthly Rent (2BR)

$2,400 – $3,200

Demand for rentals remains strong across the city.

PSE Electricity (Avg per kWh)

~$0.12/kWh

Puget Sound Energy (PSE) serves Kirkland. Rates are competitive with national averages and include renewable energy options.

Average Monthly Electric Bill

$100 – $180

Varies by home size and seasonal usage. PNW winters are mild, keeping heating costs moderate.

Natural Gas (PSE)

~$1.10/therm

Many Kirkland homes use gas for heating and cooking.

Water/Sewer/Garbage

$120 – $200/mo

City of Kirkland manages water and sewer services.

State Income Tax

None

Washington state has no personal income tax — a major financial advantage for residents.

Sales Tax Rate

10.2%

Combined state (6.5%) and local (3.7%) sales tax. Higher than national average but offset by no income tax.

Property Tax Rate

~0.9% – 1.1%

Effective rate varies by assessed value. Expect roughly $10,000 – $16,000/year on a $1.2M home.

Average Gas Price

$4.00 – $4.80/gal

Higher than the national average, though Washington's EV adoption rate is among the highest in the country.

EV Charging

100+ public stations

Kirkland has over 100 public EV charging stations, making electric vehicle ownership highly practical.

Average Home Insurance

$1,200 – $2,500/year

Varies by home value, age, and proximity to water. Flood insurance may be required for waterfront properties.

Average Auto Insurance

$1,400 – $2,000/year

Washington state rates are slightly above the national average.

Grocery Costs

~10–15% above national avg

Specialty markets like Metropolitan Market and PCC are on the premium side. Costco, Trader Joe's, and QFC offer more budget-friendly options.

Dining Out (per person, casual)

$18 – $35

Kirkland's dining scene is varied, with options from quick bites to fine dining.