Cost of Living in Lacey, WA - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $2,695 monthly including rent, or $1,126 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $4,009 with rent, or $1,961 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $5,323 including rent, or $2,796 for daily expenses alone.

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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$27.79 $27.79
$18.19 $18.19
$32.34 $32.34
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$112 $112
$61.1 $61.1
$153 $153
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$12.54 $12.54
$10.04 $10.04
$15.05 $15.05
Cappuccino
$6.19 $6.19
$3.45 $3.45
$7.88 $7.88
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.53 $3.53
$2.52 $2.52
$4.03 $4.03
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.73 $2.73
$1.98 $1.98
$3.97 $3.97
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$6.81 $6.81
$4.38 $4.38
$9.74 $9.74
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$10.85 $10.85
$4.93 $4.93
$11.84 $11.84
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.08 $1.08
$0.82 $0.82
$1.24 $1.24
White Bread (500g)
$4.33 $4.33
$1.68 $1.68
$5.07 $5.07
Rice (white) (1kg)
$2.87 $2.87
$1.81 $1.81
$6.80 $6.80
Eggs
$4.38 $4.38
$1.67 $1.67
$9.26 $9.26
Local Cheese (1kg)
$14.76 $14.76
$5.45 $5.45
$24.06 $24.06
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$10.42 $10.42
$4.37 $4.37
$19.75 $19.75
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$15.46 $15.46
$11.03 $11.03
$19.89 $19.89
Apples (1kg)
$5.29 $5.29
$2.63 $2.63
$13.61 $13.61
Banana (1kg)
$1.68 $1.68
$1.33 $1.33
$3.12 $3.12
Oranges (1kg)
$4.14 $4.14
$2.79 $2.79
$6.43 $6.43
Tomato (1kg)
$3.74 $3.74
$2.23 $2.23
$6.75 $6.75
Potato (1kg)
$2.45 $2.45
$2.45 $2.45
$3.35 $3.35
Onion (1kg)
$2.64 $2.64
$2.14 $2.14
$4.28 $4.28
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.47 $2.47
$1.97 $1.97
$2.97 $2.97
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$3.09 $3.09
$1.84 $1.84
$4.12 $4.12
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$9.16 $9.16
$9.16 $9.16
$13.00 $13.00
Wine (Bottle)
$14.96 $14.96
$14.96 $14.96
$29.91 $29.91
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.92 $1.92
$1.72 $1.72
$2.84 $2.84
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.59 $3.59
$2.04 $2.04
$7.13 $7.13
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$2.01 $2.01
$1.26 $1.26
$2.01 $2.01
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$4.93 $4.93
$4.93 $4.93
$4.93 $4.93
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$2.02 $2.02
$1.76 $1.76
$2.02 $2.02
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$52.3 $52.3
$52.3 $52.3
$52.3 $52.3
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.13 $1.13
$0.99 $0.99
$1.26 $1.26
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$29.9K $29.9K
$23.6K $23.6K
$36.6K $36.6K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$25.7K $25.7K
$23.9K $23.9K
$29.9K $29.9K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$155 $155
$69.7 $69.7
$282 $282
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$51.4 $51.4
$34.36 $34.36
$147 $147
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$94.4 $94.4
$60.3 $60.3
$122 $122
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$43.03 $43.03
$17.51 $17.51
$50.0 $50.0
Cinema Ticket
$12.66 $12.66
$9.82 $9.82
$14.73 $14.73
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$1,479 $1,479
$1,428 $1,428
$2,550 $2,550
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$29.6K $29.6K
$29.6K $29.6K
$29.6K $29.6K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$50.6 $50.6
$21.71 $21.71
$79.0 $79.0
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$36.90 $36.90
$29.52 $29.52
$44.28 $44.28
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$90.5 $90.5
$40.23 $40.23
$126 $126
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$98.2 $98.2
$60.5 $60.5
$151 $151
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,612 $1,612
$1,207 $1,207
$1,868 $1,868
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,357 $1,357
$1,002 $1,002
$1,504 $1,504
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$2,671 $2,671
$2,031 $2,031
$3,047 $3,047
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$2,258 $2,258
$1,727 $1,727
$2,540 $2,540
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$2,539 $2,539
$1,866 $1,866
$2,539 $2,539
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$2,495 $2,495
$2,021 $2,021
$2,495 $2,495
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$4,479 $4,479
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
6.61
6
6.8

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

Last update: May 31, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $1,612 for a central one-bedroom, or $1,357 outside the center. At 36% of the average salary ($4,479), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $4,479, while typical expenses reach $2,695. This leaves solid room for saving and lifestyle spending.

Expect to spend about $404 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $112 for two.

Cost Highlights

Internet is more expensive than 97% of cities in North America

Cappuccino is more expensive than 97% of cities in North America

Meal at budget restaurant is more expensive than 97% of cities in North America

Lacey, WA Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Lacey, WA - Frequently Asked Questions
How does affordability in Lacey compare for travelers, expats, and digital nomads?
The Cost of Living in Lacey, WA, United States sits in the middle of the Pacific Northwest scene, offering a practical balance for long stays and short hops. Housing options range from convenient apartments near transit to single-family homes in quiet suburbs, usually at rates lower than big-city anchors nearby and higher than rural areas. Utilities, groceries, and daily services cluster around steady mid-range prices, keeping everyday life predictable. Proximity to Olympia and military bases can influence expenses and job opportunities, making savings feel achievable with mindful planning. Tip: Start your housing search near preferred transit lines and review lease terms for seasonal demand.
What does daily life look like in terms of housing search, food options, transport, and errands?
Lacey daily life blends practicality with small-town charm, making a good fit for digital nomads and expats alike. Housing options span compact apartments to roomy townhomes, with search focus on Hawks Prairie, downtown Lacey, or near key transit links for easier commutes. Food scenes range from farmers markets to affordable groceries and casual eateries for quick meals between work blocks. Public transit serves Olympia and surrounding areas, while bike-friendly streets and walkable centers keep short trips simple. Co-working spaces and coffee shops with reliable Wi‑Fi support flexible work days. Lacey living cost can vary by neighborhood and mode of transport, so pick a rhythm that fits your schedule. Tip: plan a trial week to test routines.
What factors impact quality of life, budgeting, seasonality, and neighborhood fit in Lacey?
Quality of life in Lacey blends outdoor access with urban convenience, offering family-friendly neighborhoods and serene parks. To budget effectively, adopt a simple framework that accounts for housing, transport, and daily essentials, then track changes with the seasons. In spring and summer, outdoor activities and farmers markets expand options, while autumn and winter bring cozy cafés and indoor work spots. Neighborhood fit depends on pace: downtown centers suit social, compact living; Hawks Prairie or Woodland area offer newer housing and larger yards. Practical savings come from cooking at home, buying in-season produce, and choosing transit or bike trips for routine errands. Tip: test a few neighborhoods during different weeks to sense rhythm.
How expensive is daily life in Lacey, WA?
Budget at least $2,695 per month to live in Lacey, WA once rent is factored in. The high price tag reflects quality infrastructure and a strong economy, but it does mean you need a decent income to live comfortably here.
How much of a salary does housing take in Lacey, WA?
With 36% of the average paycheck going to rent, Lacey, WA is on the expensive side for housing. Many locals cope by sharing apartments, moving to outer neighborhoods, or downsizing to keep things manageable.
Is the average income in Lacey, WA enough to cover living costs and save?
At $4,479 take-home, most residents in Lacey, WA can cover the $2,695 monthly cost of living. Those earning $4,043 or more have room to save; below-average earners will find things noticeably tighter.
How much should I budget for housing in Lacey, WA?
Where you live in Lacey, WA makes all the difference. Central one-bedrooms cost about $1,612; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $1,357. Overall, the market runs from $1,357 to $1,612 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
How much does grocery shopping cost per month in Lacey, WA?
Lacey, WA isn't cheap for groceries. Monthly bills reach $404 for a single person, and even basic items cost more than in most comparable cities. Cooking at home is still the most economical approach.
What does fitness cost in Lacey, WA?
At around $43.03 monthly, gym costs in Lacey, WA are on the steep side. The price tracks with the city's overall high cost of services, though annual contracts and promotional deals can cut the bill.
Can a person live on $2,500 monthly in Lacey, WA?
At $2,695 in typical monthly expenses, a $2,500 budget barely covers Lacey, WA. You'd need a shared flat in an outer area, home-cooked meals, and serious discipline with discretionary spending to make it work.
Is Lacey, WA a good place to retire?
Retirement in Lacey, WA is comfortable for most – total costs run about $2,695 monthly. Healthcare, daily amenities, and social infrastructure are all in place, and most retirees find it a practical, enjoyable place to settle.

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