Cost of Living in University Place, WA - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,094 (excluding rent), and $2,690 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,950 (excluding rent), and $5,445 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$16.19 $16.19

$13.74 $13.74

$25.52 $25.52

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$117 $117

$64.6 $64.6

$199 $199

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$12.49 $12.49

$9.99 $9.99

$14.99 $14.99

Cappuccino

$6.00 $6.00

$2.97 $2.97

$8.92 $8.92

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

$3.05 $3.05

$3.56 $3.56

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.43 $2.43

$1.52 $1.52

$4.05 $4.05

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$8.84 $8.84

$4.90 $4.90

$11.79 $11.79

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$12.03 $12.03

$6.02 $6.02

$12.03 $12.03

Milk (1 liter)

$1.13 $1.13

$0.94 $0.94

$1.36 $1.36

White Bread (500g)

$4.31 $4.31

$1.68 $1.68

$5.64 $5.64

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.73 $2.73

$1.72 $1.72

$12.93 $12.93

Eggs

$4.87 $4.87

$2.00 $2.00

$7.04 $7.04

Local Cheese (1kg)

$11.50 $11.50

$4.38 $4.38

$19.79 $19.79

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$16.29 $16.29

$4.42 $4.42

$17.76 $17.76

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$19.03 $19.03

$10.92 $10.92

$26.26 $26.26

Apples (1kg)

$5.21 $5.21

$2.21 $2.21

$6.65 $6.65

Banana (1kg)

$1.69 $1.69

$1.32 $1.32

$3.77 $3.77

Oranges (1kg)

$5.03 $5.03

$2.94 $2.94

$6.64 $6.64

Tomato (1kg)

$3.73 $3.73

$2.23 $2.23

$4.49 $4.49

Potato (1kg)

$3.23 $3.23

$1.19 $1.19

$8.64 $8.64

Onion (1kg)

$2.89 $2.89

$0.75 $0.75

$4.51 $4.51

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.92 $1.92

$0.98 $0.98

$5.89 $5.89

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.94 $2.94

$0.99 $0.99

$4.96 $4.96

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$10.79 $10.79

$8.83 $8.83

$19.18 $19.18

Wine (Bottle)

$18.40 $18.40

$9.94 $9.94

$31.82 $31.82

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.72 $1.72

$2.84 $2.84

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.55 $3.55

$9.04 $9.04

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$2.04 $2.04

$1.28 $1.28

$2.04 $2.04

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$2.63 $2.63

$3.03 $3.03

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.93 $1.93

$1.69 $1.69

$1.93 $1.93

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$30.13 $30.13

$75.3 $75.3

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.16 $1.16

$1.02 $1.02

$1.29 $1.29

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

$30.6K $30.6K

$24.1K $24.1K

$45.6K $45.6K

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

$25.7K $25.7K

$25.0K $25.0K

$31.9K $31.9K

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

$159 $159

$102 $102

$407 $407

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

$51.7 $51.7

$42.49 $42.49

$119 $119

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$88.0 $88.0

$60.0 $60.0

$140 $140

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$43.74 $43.74

$17.80 $17.80

$50.9 $50.9

Cinema Ticket

$17.96 $17.96

$11.97 $11.97

$19.95 $19.95

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

$2,058 $2,058

$1,657 $1,657

$2,466 $2,466

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$30.0K $30.0K

$25.0K $25.0K

$33.1K $33.1K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$59.7 $59.7

$22.26 $22.26

$80.9 $80.9

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$37.93 $37.93

$25.28 $25.28

$65.7 $65.7

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$96.1 $96.1

$39.41 $39.41

$123 $123

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$112 $112

$59.1 $59.1

$197 $197

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,591 $1,591

$1,192 $1,192

$1,844 $1,844

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,340 $1,340

$990 $990

$1,485 $1,485

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,582 $2,582

$1,964 $1,964

$2,945 $2,945

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,241 $2,241

$1,714 $1,714

$2,521 $2,521

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,366 $2,366

$1,722 $1,722

$2,366 $2,366

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$2,276 $2,276

$1,841 $1,841

$2,276 $2,276

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$7,909 $7,909

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.51

6.19

6.8

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

Last update: March 2, 2026

University Place, WA Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

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 University Place, WA - Frequently Asked Questions

University Place sits near Tacoma and Puget Sound, offering a practical balance for travelers, expats, and digital nomads. Cost of Living in University Place, WA, United States tends to be more moderate than big city hubs, with accessible grocery options, reliable public services, and quiet neighborhoods ideal for working remotely. You’ll find a mix of apartment buildings and single-family homes, often within easy reach of parks, coffee shops, and waterfront trails. When planning your stay, consider seasonal increases in utilities and transit visits to nearby hubs, rather than staying strictly in town. Tip: Plan a simple budget around groceries, transit, and occasional outings to keep things predictable.

Daily life in University Place blends small-town charm with access to bigger work hubs. For housing, you'll find walkable neighborhoods and comfortable apartment layouts, but the best value often comes from renting a bit farther from the water while staying within easy drive or bus routes. Food options include local groceries, casual eateries, and seasonal markets; cooking at home remains a budget-friendly option. Transit and car travel both work well here, with short commutes to nearby towns and easy access to major roads. Being aware of University Place, WA, United States living cost helps you compare neighborhood vibes and plan shopping and errands without overbuying. Tip: Create a simple weekly plan to combine chores, groceries, and co-working sessions.

Quality of life here favors a balanced routine: pick neighborhoods that match your pace, whether you want quieter lakeside streets or quick access to commerce. A practical budgeting framework works well: track fixed costs (utilities, transit passes) and flexible ones (food, entertainment) while leaving a small buffer for seasonal extras. In terms of seasonality, winters are cool and can raise heating needs; plan by layering and seasonal shopping. Neighborhood fit comes from visiting at different times of day, testing coffee shops, and checking access to parks, libraries, and coworking spaces. Tip: Set a weekly rotation for errands and a flexible meal plan to avoid last-minute splurges.