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

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends around $2,235 per month with rent, or $1,300 for everyday expenses alone.

A couple spends around $3,409 per month with rent, or $1,899 for everyday expenses alone.

A family of three spends around $4,583 per month with rent, or $2,498 without housing.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$16.44 $16.44

$12.94 $12.94

$34.87 $34.87

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$64.1 $64.1

$54.3 $54.3

$113 $113

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$8.66 $8.66

$7.89 $7.89

$12.82 $12.82

Cappuccino

$4.37 $4.37

$2.96 $2.96

$4.93 $4.93

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

$2.18 $2.18

$1.52 $1.52

$3.03 $3.03

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.87 $1.87

$1.54 $1.54

$3.78 $3.78

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$5.93 $5.93

$4.94 $4.94

$7.90 $7.90

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$5.38 $5.38

$3.91 $3.91

$6.85 $6.85

Milk (1 liter)

$0.96 $0.96

$0.80 $0.80

$1.55 $1.55

White Bread (500g)

$3.70 $3.70

$1.61 $1.61

$6.80 $6.80

Rice (white) (1kg)

$4.00 $4.00

$1.78 $1.78

$8.93 $8.93

Eggs

$5.42 $5.42

$2.96 $2.96

$8.87 $8.87

Local Cheese (1kg)

$21.00 $21.00

$8.69 $8.69

$43.45 $43.45

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$14.22 $14.22

$5.80 $5.80

$21.70 $21.70

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$19.90 $19.90

$13.25 $13.25

$33.16 $33.16

Apples (1kg)

$3.75 $3.75

$2.61 $2.61

$8.68 $8.68

Banana (1kg)

$2.04 $2.04

$1.08 $1.08

$4.31 $4.31

Oranges (1kg)

$3.60 $3.60

$2.79 $2.79

$4.46 $4.46

Tomato (1kg)

$7.07 $7.07

$1.67 $1.67

$13.42 $13.42

Potato (1kg)

$2.39 $2.39

$1.19 $1.19

$4.33 $4.33

Onion (1kg)

$2.62 $2.62

$1.54 $1.54

$4.54 $4.54

Lettuce (1 head)

$3.37 $3.37

$1.90 $1.90

$5.06 $5.06

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.93 $2.93

$1.22 $1.22

$4.89 $4.89

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$8.43 $8.43

$7.64 $7.64

$10.08 $10.08

Wine (Bottle)

$13.31 $13.31

$7.78 $7.78

$29.58 $29.58

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.76 $1.76

$1.23 $1.23

$1.76 $1.76

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$9.27 $9.27

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.03 $1.03

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$29.42 $29.42

$24.52 $24.52

$29.42 $29.42

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.98 $3.98

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.76 $1.76

$1.57 $1.57

$1.76 $1.76

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$28.89 $28.89

$26.13 $26.13

$34.64 $34.64

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.88 $0.88

$0.69 $0.69

$1.25 $1.25

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

$19.6K $19.6K

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

$20.2K $20.2K

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

$107 $107

$93.0 $93.0

$127 $127

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

$85.7 $85.7

$30.59 $30.59

$102 $102

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$58.4 $58.4

$39.75 $39.75

$99.4 $99.4

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$29.87 $29.87

$19.92 $19.92

$39.83 $39.83

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$10.12 $10.12

Cinema Ticket

$15.23 $15.23

$12.69 $12.69

$20.31 $20.31

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

$1,176 $1,176

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$23.5K $23.5K

$16.8K $16.8K

$27.3K $27.3K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$51.1 $51.1

$24.74 $24.74

$79.2 $79.2

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$22.85 $22.85

$15.23 $15.23

$30.47 $30.47

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$99.9 $99.9

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$159 $159

$119 $119

$199 $199

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,207 $1,207

$897 $897

$1,815 $1,815

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,002 $1,002

$787 $787

$1,475 $1,475

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,153 $2,153

$1,692 $1,692

$2,488 $2,488

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,651 $1,651

$1,281 $1,281

$2,069 $2,069

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,296 $2,296

$2,231 $2,231

$2,394 $2,394

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$2,174 $2,174

$2,128 $2,128

$2,213 $2,213

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$3,492 $3,492

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.3

5.9

7.75

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

Last update: April 19, 2026

Cost Breakdown

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $1,207, dropping to $1,002 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 35% of the average salary ($3,492) – noticeably above the typical 30% rent-to-income guideline.

The average net salary is $3,492 – comfortably above monthly costs of $2,235. Most workers can save and live well. A comfortable lifestyle typically starts at $3,352.

Groceries cost around $474 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $64.

A monthly public transport pass costs about $29.

Cost Highlights

Pullman, WA has the 2nd most expensive imported beer worldwide

Monthly cost (excluding rent) is more expensive than 94% of cities in North America

Eggs is more expensive than 90% of cities in North America

Pullman, WA Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

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 Pullman, WA - Frequently Asked Questions

Pullman sits as a small but sturdy university town on the Palouse, where many travelers and digital nomads find value by balancing location, housing, and pace. Overall, you'll notice a reasonable mix of rental options, midrange services, and approachable dining. Utilities and internet are predictable, groceries cover a range of stores, and large-city price shocks are rare. The student and academic calendar shapes crowd levels, seasonal events, and some price swings, but the core affordability remains steady for long stays. Cost of Living in Pullman, WA, United States remains moderate for a town of its size. If you prioritize housing near campus or in established neighborhoods, you'll maximize value and save transit time. Tip: Choose a neighborhood near campus or a bus line to save commuting time and money.

Daily life in Pullman centers on a compact, walkable town where the university keeps things lively without overwhelming traffic. Housing search usually focuses on blocks near campus or quiet residential streets a short bus ride away, with leases that fit one person or a small household. Food options span affordable groceries, farmers markets in season, and casual eateries that won't derail a budget. Transport is bike-friendly, with campus shuttles and reliable regional buses; many people mix walking, cycling, and occasional rideshares. For coworking or remote work, consider libraries, campus study spaces, or local cafés with daytime hours. When budgeting, consider the Pullman, WA, United States living cost alongside utilities and internet. Tip: track a simple monthly plan and adjust with the seasons.

Quality of life in Pullman blends small-town calm with enough cultural and outdoor options to stay stimulated. A simple budgeting framework helps: separate fixed costs (rent, utilities) from flexible ones (groceries, dining, entertainment), and set a ceiling for distractions like frequent takeout. Seasonality matters: colder months raise heating needs, but summer offers recreation - hikes, rivers, and farmers markets. Neighborhood fit matters too: downtown and the university district are lively but busier in fall; north or east sides feel quieter and more residential. For savings, consider longer leases to lock in reasonable rents, shared housing, and using campus resources like libraries and public events to tap free or low-cost activities. Tip: re-evaluate your plan every few weeks.

Pullman, WA is expensive by global standards – monthly costs hit about $2,235. Housing is the main driver: central rents are steep, and even outer neighborhoods cost more than the global average. Strong demand, high local incomes, and limited supply all push prices up.

There's no getting around it – Pullman, WA is expensive. Monthly costs with rent typically hit $2,235, and housing is the biggest culprit. Groceries, dining, and services also run above global averages, pushed up by strong local demand and high incomes.

After taxes, the average worker in Pullman, WA takes home about $3,492 per month. Of course, that varies a lot by industry and experience – tech and finance pay well above this, while service jobs often fall below it.

Rent in Pullman, WA is middle-of-the-road – 1-bedroom apartments fall between $1,002 and $1,207 per month. Not cheap, not outrageous, with reasonable options across most neighborhoods.

Private kindergarten in Pullman, WA costs about $1,176 per month – a big number for families. Prices vary by curriculum and whether you go local or international. Public options are cheaper where they exist, but waitlists can be long.

Gym memberships in Pullman, WA cost about $29.87 per month – above the regional average. Premium chains and boutique studios charge even more. Parks, running routes, and outdoor fitness areas offer free alternatives if you'd rather skip the fee.

$1,500 in Pullman, WA is a stretch – monthly costs with rent hit $2,235, and housing alone takes a big chunk. Even with a shared flat and minimal going out, there's very little buffer for surprises or savings.

Quality of life in Pullman, WA is solid. Standout factors include fast internet, low crime rates, vibrant nightlife, backed by good public transport, varied dining and leisure, and well-maintained infrastructure. At about $2,235 monthly all-in, it suits mid-range budgets for a comfortable – if not luxurious – lifestyle.