City Comparison
Pasco vs Olympia
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Pasco scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Pasco
Olympia
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Pasco is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
15% lower than in Olympia.
Housing costs are a major driver: Pasco's average rent is
19% lower than Olympia's.
| Metric | Pasco | Olympia | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,450 | $1,800 | -19% |
| Groceries | $420 | $420 | 0% |
| Utilities | $175 | $216 | -19% |
| Transport | $110 | $120 | -8% |
| Healthcare | $240 | $250 | -4% |
| Monthly Total | $2,395 | $2,806 | -15% |
| Cost Index | 96 | 113 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Olympia offers 19% 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 Pasco is estimated at
$52,000 vs $75,000 in Olympia.
| Metric | Pasco | Olympia |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $64,500 | $80,000 |
| Salary Needed | $52,000 | $75,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 67,188 idx | 70,796 idx |
| Household Income | $74,210 | $81,302 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Pasco runs warmer on average — a 57.9°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Pasco comes out ahead with 294 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Pasco sees 6.6 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Pasco | Olympia |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 57.90°F | °F |
| Summer High | 91.70°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 32.30°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 11.90 in | in |
| Snowfall | 6.60 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 294 | |
| Humidity | 45.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 1 minutes of each other.
Olympia 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 | Pasco | Olympia |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 21 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 42.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Walkability | 40.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 38.00 | 50.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Pasco is the larger city
— approximately 1.4x the population of Olympia.
From a growth perspective, Pasco is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
| Metric | Pasco | Olympia |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 79,493 | 57,869 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.10% | 1.70% |
| Median Age | 30.5 | 40.5 |
| Unemployment | 4.80% | 4.80% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Pasco
Advantages
Abundant sunshine with approximately 294 sunny days per year supporting an active outdoor lifestyle.
More affordable housing market and overall cost of living compared to coastal Washington cities like Seattle.
Strategic regional location along the Columbia River with robust transportation links via the Tri-Cities Airport and major highways.
Rich cultural diversity highlighted by community festivals, local markets, and a vibrant culinary scene.
Steady economic growth driven by agriculture, manufacturing, and strong regional employment opportunities.
Drawbacks
Hot and dry summer climate with temperatures frequently exceeding 90°F.
Limited public transit walkability outside of specific downtown and newly developed commercial zones.
Housing inventory constraints and rising home prices driven by rapid regional population growth.
Limited nightlife and entertainment options compared to larger metropolitan hubs.
Breezy conditions and occasional high winds typical of the Columbia Basin region.
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.
Pasco
#160Washington, USA
64.8 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,450
Avg Salary
$64,500
Cost Index
96
Commute
21 min
Transit Score
42.0/100
Walkability
40.0/100
Sunny Days
294/yr
Avg Temp
57.90°F
Pop. Growth
2.10%
Unemployment
4.80%
Livability
74
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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