Cost of Living in Federal Way, WA - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,051 (excluding rent), and $3,372 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,792 (excluding rent), and $5,324 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$27.28 $27.28

$13.89 $13.89

$31.75 $31.75

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$71.3 $71.3

$61.1 $61.1

$91.7 $91.7

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$12.43 $12.43

$9.94 $9.94

$14.91 $14.91

Cappuccino

$5.95 $5.95

$2.94 $2.94

$7.85 $7.85

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.00 $3.00

$2.04 $2.04

$3.59 $3.59

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.22 $2.22

$1.23 $1.23

$2.96 $2.96

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$7.18 $7.18

$4.10 $4.10

$10.26 $10.26

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$5.92 $5.92

$3.95 $3.95

$8.88 $8.88

Milk (1 liter)

$1.10 $1.10

$0.77 $0.77

$1.23 $1.23

White Bread (500g)

$3.74 $3.74

$2.19 $2.19

$4.94 $4.94

Rice (white) (1kg)

$4.29 $4.29

$1.81 $1.81

$6.68 $6.68

Eggs

$4.92 $4.92

$1.67 $1.67

$7.10 $7.10

Local Cheese (1kg)

$12.98 $12.98

$23.78 $23.78

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$10.56 $10.56

$6.65 $6.65

$17.80 $17.80

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$17.52 $17.52

$13.14 $13.14

$17.55 $17.55

Apples (1kg)

$5.30 $5.30

$2.25 $2.25

$13.53 $13.53

Banana (1kg)

$1.58 $1.58

$1.28 $1.28

$3.26 $3.26

Oranges (1kg)

$4.31 $4.31

$2.91 $2.91

$11.16 $11.16

Tomato (1kg)

$5.10 $5.10

$2.90 $2.90

$11.26 $11.26

Potato (1kg)

$2.96 $2.96

$1.20 $1.20

$8.78 $8.78

Onion (1kg)

$2.74 $2.74

$0.74 $0.74

$2.79 $2.79

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.96 $1.96

$0.98 $0.98

$2.94 $2.94

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.92 $2.92

$0.99 $0.99

$3.95 $3.95

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$12.73 $12.73

$9.17 $9.17

$14.26 $14.26

Wine (Bottle)

$18.70 $18.70

$10.11 $10.11

$32.34 $32.34

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.71 $1.71

$2.47 $2.47

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.98 $4.98

$1.99 $1.99

$6.98 $6.98

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$2.56 $2.56

$2.44 $2.44

$2.69 $2.69

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$2.57 $2.57

$4.94 $4.94

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$2.04 $2.04

$1.79 $1.79

$2.04 $2.04

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$30.17 $30.17

$75.4 $75.4

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.18 $1.18

$1.00 $1.00

$1.33 $1.33

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$34.8K $34.8K

$26.6K $26.6K

$44.4K $44.4K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$25.5K $25.5K

$23.7K $23.7K

$31.7K $31.7K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$127 $127

$69.9 $69.9

$316 $316

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$71.8 $71.8

$35.13 $35.13

$120 $120

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$89.6 $89.6

$56.0 $56.0

$123 $123

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$13.07 $13.07

$50.3 $50.3

Cinema Ticket

$10.92 $10.92

$9.93 $9.93

$19.86 $19.86

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,472 $1,472

$1,421 $1,421

$2,136 $2,136

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$32.3K $32.3K

$25.4K $25.4K

$33.6K $33.6K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$51.9 $51.9

$25.30 $25.30

$70.9 $70.9

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$43.67 $43.67

$24.53 $24.53

$73.6 $73.6

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$85.8 $85.8

$49.18 $49.18

$123 $123

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$95.7 $95.7

$73.6 $73.6

$196 $196

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,991 $1,991

$1,543 $1,543

$2,439 $2,439

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,051 $2,051

$1,621 $1,621

$2,482 $2,482

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,763 $2,763

$2,241 $2,241

$3,286 $3,286

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,428 $2,428

$1,876 $1,876

$3,136 $3,136

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$4,399 $4,399

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.51

6.19

7.25

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: January 12, 2026

Federal Way, WA Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

350

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Federal Way, WA - Frequently Asked Questions

Cost of Living in [location] is a handy benchmark when you are weighing options across the region. In Federal Way, WA, you get a balanced mix of suburban calm and quick access to Seattle's bigger job and activity scene, often at a lower premium than central city neighborhoods. You will find a range of housing options near transit corridors and shopping centers, with rents and leases that tend to feel practical for longer stays. Groceries, dining, and leisure offer solid value when you shop locally, take advantage of farmer's markets, and plan weekend outings around the natural surroundings. Tip: test a few neighborhoods on weekend errands to see how daily life fits your rhythm.

Daily life in Federal Way centers on practical choices for housing, food, and getting around. When you weigh the [location] living cost, you will see why many opt for mid-range apartments or townhomes near transit and shopping hubs. The city offers a mix of cozy cafes, grocery stores, and farmers markets, plus a growing number of coworking spaces for remote work. Public transit and regional rail connections link you to Seattle and beyond, while bike lanes and car-sharing options keep trips simple. Tip: map a weekly routine that clusters errands in a couple of zones so you save travel time and stress.

Quality of life in Federal Way comes from choosing a neighborhood that fits your pace and seasonality of activity. If you prefer quiet mornings, look toward lake-adjacent pockets or residential streets near parks; for nightlife and easy access to services, City Center and Guye areas offer more bustle. A sensible budgeting framework mixes flexible housing, shared spaces, and grocery planning across seasons, plus smart transit choices like occasional rail trips and regular bus routes. Seasonal outdoor options – from beaches to trails – keep living costs balanced by free or low-cost recreation. Tip: build a simple monthly budget that earmarks essentials, extras, and a small cushion for surprises.