City Comparison
Federal Way vs Olympia
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Olympia scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Federal Way
Olympia
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Olympia is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
6% lower than in Federal Way.
| Metric | Federal Way | Olympia | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,950 | $1,800 | +8% |
| Groceries | $480 | $420 | +14% |
| Utilities | $175 | $216 | -19% |
| Transport | $130 | $120 | +8% |
| Healthcare | $240 | $250 | -4% |
| Monthly Total | $2,975 | $2,806 | +6% |
| Cost Index | 118 | 113 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Olympia offers 10% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Olympia delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Federal Way is estimated at
$62,000 vs $75,000 in Olympia.
| Metric | Federal Way | Olympia |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $72,000 | $80,000 |
| Salary Needed | $62,000 | $75,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 61,017 idx | 70,796 idx |
| Household Income | $82,500 | $81,302 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Federal Way runs warmer on average — a 53.2°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Federal Way comes out ahead with 231 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Federal Way sees 14.4 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Federal Way | Olympia |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 53.20°F | °F |
| Summer High | 77.00°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 34.50°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 53.80 in | in |
| Snowfall | 14.40 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 231 | |
| Humidity | 72.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Olympia has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
6,000 minutes (100 hours) per year compared to Federal Way.
Federal Way scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Olympia leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Federal Way | Olympia |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 32 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 52.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Walkability | 48.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 65.00 | 50.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Federal Way is the larger city
— approximately 1.7x the population of Olympia.
From a growth perspective, Olympia is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Federal Way has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Federal Way | Olympia |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 101,030 | 57,869 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.80% | 1.70% |
| Median Age | 36.5 | 40.5 |
| Unemployment | 4.50% | 4.80% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Federal Way
Advantages
Exceptional ethnic and cultural diversity reflected in local community events and authentic dining.
Proximity to world-class outdoor recreation, including Dash Point State Park and Puget Sound access.
Home to the renowned Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center, a premier regional athletic facility.
Strategic location along I-5 providing commuting access to both Seattle and Tacoma.
More affordable housing options compared to core Seattle and Bellevue markets.
Drawbacks
Traffic congestion along Interstate 5 and major state routes during peak commuting hours.
Property crime rates that remain slightly above the national suburban average.
High cost of living and housing appreciation driven by broader King County economic pressures.
Car dependency in many suburban neighborhoods limiting pedestrian convenience.
Variable walkability outside of designated commercial and downtown zones.
Olympia
Advantages
Olympia's projected population growth rate of 1.7% for 2026 indicates a growing and dynamic community.
The city offers a vibrant arts and culture scene, along with extensive outdoor recreational opportunities due to its natural surroundings.
Utility costs in Olympia are approximately 10% lower than the national average, providing some financial relief to residents.
The average commute time of 20 minutes is relatively short compared to many larger metropolitan areas.
Olympia's median household income of $81,302 in 2024 is higher than the national median, supporting a comfortable lifestyle for many residents.
Drawbacks
The cost of living in Olympia is 13% higher than the national average, primarily driven by housing expenses.
Average rent for apartments in Olympia increased by 6% year-over-year as of June 2026, indicating rising housing costs.
Healthcare costs in Olympia are significantly higher, approximately 24% above the national average.
Transportation expenses are 28% higher than the national average, impacting daily budgets for commuters.
The unemployment rate in Olympia was 4.8% in April 2026, slightly higher than the national average.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Federal Way
#508Washington, USA
52.2 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,950
Avg Salary
$72,000
Cost Index
118
Commute
32 min
Transit Score
52.0/100
Walkability
48.0/100
Sunny Days
231/yr
Avg Temp
53.20°F
Pop. Growth
0.80%
Unemployment
4.50%
Livability
75
Business
70
Olympia
#489Washington, USA
53.6 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,800
Avg Salary
$80,000
Cost Index
113
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
45.0/100
Walkability
55.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.70%
Unemployment
4.80%
Livability
80
Business
70
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