Washington housing costs at a glance
| Washington | |
|---|---|
| Median home value (Zillow) | $602,000 |
| Average effective property tax | 0.74% |
| Typical rate for a new buyer (calculator default) | 0.85% |
| Average homeowners insurance ($300k dwelling) | $1,404 a year |
| 2026 conforming loan limit (one unit) | $832,750 in most counties; higher in the Seattle area (King, Snohomish and Pierce counties) – check the FHFA table for your county |
Example: median-priced home
Washington home for $602,000, 20% down, 6.5% 30-year fixed: principal and interest $3,044 + property tax $426 + insurance $117 = about $3,587 a month. Enter your own rate quote and the actual tax rate of the property for a precise figure.
Washington property tax
Washington's property taxes are moderate: the average effective rate is about 0.74% of value, typically 0.8%–1.1% in Seattle-area cities. Each taxing district's levy can grow by only 1% a year plus new construction without a public vote, but voter-approved school and transit levies add to the bill. Washington has no income tax, which is part of why home prices and sales taxes are high.
Other Washington costs
- Real estate excise tax (REET): graduated state tax of 1.1% on the first $525,000 of the price, 1.28% up to $1,525,000, 2.75% up to $3,025,000 and 3% above, plus a local 0.25%–0.5%; paid by the seller.
- Insurance: about $1,400 a year for $300,000 of dwelling coverage; earthquake coverage in western Washington is extra.
- See the Washington paycheck calculator: no income tax, but PFML and WA Cares premiums.
Other states
See also the Washington paycheck calculator and mortgage costs in other states.
Frequently asked questions
What is the real estate excise tax in Washington?
A graduated state tax from 1.1% to 3% of the sale price plus a local 0.25% to 0.5%, normally paid by the seller.
What is the monthly payment on a median-priced Washington home?
On a $602,000 home with 20% down at 6.5%, principal and interest are about $3,044; with property tax and insurance the total is about $3,590 a month.
What is the property tax rate in Washington State?
About 0.74% of home value on average, around 0.8% to 1.1% in the Seattle area.
Do I need earthquake insurance in Washington?
It is not required by lenders, but standard policies exclude earthquakes; many owners in the Seattle area add it.
For information only; not a loan offer. Property tax, insurance and closing costs depend on the specific property and lender.
Sources
- Washington Department of Revenue – REET and property tax
- FHFA – 2026 conforming loan limits
- U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 – real estate taxes (via NAHB / Construction Coverage)
- Zillow Home Value Index
- Insurify – home insurance by state
Rules checked: October 2026