City Comparison
Kirkland vs Olympia
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Kirkland scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Kirkland
Olympia
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Olympia is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
15% lower than in Kirkland.
Housing costs are a major driver: Kirkland's average rent is
25% higher than Olympia's.
| Metric | Kirkland | Olympia | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,250 | $1,800 | +25% |
| Groceries | $520 | $420 | +24% |
| Utilities | $175 | $216 | -19% |
| Transport | $140 | $120 | +17% |
| Healthcare | $210 | $250 | -16% |
| Monthly Total | $3,295 | $2,806 | +17% |
| Cost Index | 145 | 113 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Kirkland offers 23% higher 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 Kirkland is estimated at
$85,000 vs $75,000 in Olympia.
| Metric | Kirkland | Olympia |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $98,000 | $80,000 |
| Salary Needed | $85,000 | $75,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 67,586 idx | 70,796 idx |
| Household Income | $128,500 | $81,302 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Kirkland runs warmer on average — a 53.1°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Kirkland comes out ahead with 229 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Kirkland sees 12.1 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Kirkland | Olympia |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 53.10°F | °F |
| Summer High | 75.80°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 34.90°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 43.50 in | in |
| Snowfall | 12.10 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 229 | |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Olympia has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,500 minutes (58 hours) per year compared to Kirkland.
Kirkland scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Kirkland leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Kirkland | Olympia |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 27 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 52.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Walkability | 64.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 58.00 | 50.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Kirkland is the larger city
— approximately 1.6x the population of Olympia.
From a growth perspective, Olympia is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Kirkland has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Kirkland | Olympia |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 93,245 | 57,869 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.80% | 1.70% |
| Median Age | 38.5 | 40.5 |
| Unemployment | 3.60% | 4.80% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Kirkland
Advantages
Stunning waterfront access with miles of parks, beaches, and public docks along Lake Washington
Exceptional public school system consistently ranked among the best in Washington State
Extremely low crime rates and high neighborhood safety profiles compared to national averages
Proximity to major tech employers in Seattle, Bellevue, and Redmond with robust local job opportunities
Vibrant downtown core featuring top-tier dining, boutique shopping, and local arts culture
Drawbacks
Significantly high cost of living and housing expenses well above the national average
Heavy traffic congestion during peak commuting hours along I-405 and major local corridors
Competitive real estate market making homeownership difficult for middle-income buyers
Overcast and rainy weather pattern during the extended autumn and winter seasons
Limited rapid transit rail options, leading to reliance on bus networks and personal vehicles
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.
Kirkland
#420Washington, USA
57.5 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,250
Avg Salary
$98,000
Cost Index
145
Commute
27 min
Transit Score
52.0/100
Walkability
64.0/100
Sunny Days
229/yr
Avg Temp
53.10°F
Pop. Growth
0.80%
Unemployment
3.60%
Livability
90
Business
78
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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