City Comparison
Pasco vs Redmond
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Pasco scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Pasco
Redmond
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Pasco is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
33% lower than in Redmond.
Housing costs are a major driver: Pasco's average rent is
41% lower than Redmond's.
| Metric | Pasco | Redmond | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,450 | $2,450 | -41% |
| Groceries | $420 | $520 | -19% |
| Utilities | $175 | $195 | -10% |
| Transport | $110 | $140 | -21% |
| Healthcare | $240 | $290 | -17% |
| Monthly Total | $2,395 | $3,595 | -33% |
| Cost Index | 96 | 152 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Redmond offers 44% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Redmond delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Pasco is estimated at
$52,000 vs $85,000 in Redmond.
| Metric | Pasco | Redmond |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $64,500 | $115,000 |
| Salary Needed | $52,000 | $85,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 67,188 idx | 75,658 idx |
| Household Income | $74,210 | $145,000 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Pasco runs warmer on average — a 5.5°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Pasco comes out ahead with 76 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Redmond sees 12.3 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Pasco | Redmond |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 57.90°F | 52.40°F |
| Summer High | 91.70°F | 76.20°F |
| Winter Low | 32.30°F | 32.90°F |
| Rainfall | 11.90 in | 54.30 in |
| Snowfall | 6.60 in | 18.90 in |
| Sunny Days | 294 | 218 |
| Humidity | 45.00% | 72.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Pasco has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,500 minutes (58 hours) per year compared to Redmond.
Redmond scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Redmond leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Pasco | Redmond |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 21 min | 28 min |
| Transit Score | 42.0/100 | 58.0/100 |
| Walkability | 40.0/100 | 62.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 38.00 | 56.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Pasco is the larger city
.
From a growth perspective, Pasco is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Redmond has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Pasco | Redmond |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 79,493 | 76,543 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.10% | 1.40% |
| Median Age | 30.5 | 36.8 |
| Unemployment | 4.80% | 3.40% |
| 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.
Redmond
Advantages
World-class job market anchored by Microsoft and a booming technology sector
Exceptional public school system and high overall educational attainment
Abundant outdoor recreation, including over 50 parks and miles of dedicated bike trails
Low crime rates and consistently high safety rankings statewide
Expansion of the Sound Transit Link light rail improving regional connectivity
Drawbacks
High cost of living and steep housing prices compared to the national average
Significant traffic congestion during peak commuting hours on major arteries like SR 520
Competitive real estate market making homeownership challenging for median earners
Overcast and rainy winter weather patterns characteristic of the Pacific Northwest
Rising commercial and residential rents impacting local small businesses
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
Redmond
#272Washington, USA
61.9 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,450
Avg Salary
$115,000
Cost Index
152
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
58.0/100
Walkability
62.0/100
Sunny Days
218/yr
Avg Temp
52.40°F
Pop. Growth
1.40%
Unemployment
3.40%
Livability
86
Business
88
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