City Comparison
Pasco vs Yakima
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Pasco scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Pasco
Yakima
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Yakima is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
11% lower than in Pasco.
Housing costs are a major driver: Pasco's average rent is
29% higher than Yakima's.
| Metric | Pasco | Yakima | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,450 | $1,127 | +29% |
| Groceries | $420 | $450 | -7% |
| Utilities | $175 | $274 | -36% |
| Transport | $110 | $120 | -8% |
| Healthcare | $240 | $153 | +57% |
| Monthly Total | $2,395 | $2,124 | +13% |
| Cost Index | 96 | 102 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Pasco offers 86% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Pasco delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Pasco is estimated at
$52,000 vs $49,428 in Yakima.
| Metric | Pasco | Yakima |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $64,500 | $34,628 |
| Salary Needed | $52,000 | $49,428 |
| Purchasing Power | 67,188 idx | 33,949 idx |
| Household Income | $74,210 | $59,829 |
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 | Yakima |
|---|---|---|
| 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% | % |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Yakima has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,000 minutes (33 hours) per year compared to Pasco.
Pasco scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Pasco leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Pasco | Yakima |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 21 min | 17 min |
| Transit Score | 42.0/100 | — |
| Walkability | 40.0/100 | — |
| Traffic Index | 38.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Yakima is the larger city
— approximately 0.8x the population of Pasco.
From a growth perspective, Pasco is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Pasco has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Pasco | Yakima |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 79,493 | 97,769 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.10% | — |
| Median Age | 30.5 | |
| Unemployment | 4.80% | 5.30% |
| GDP | — | $13.3B |
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.
Yakima
Advantages
Yakima enjoys approximately 300 sunny days per year, making it one of Washington's sunniest major cities.
The cost of living in Yakima is notably affordable, with housing costs significantly lower than the national average.
The region is a world-class wine country with over 120 wineries, offering unique recreational and cultural experiences.
Residents have access to excellent outdoor recreation opportunities, including the Yakima River and nearby mountains, lakes, and trails.
The average commute time in Yakima County is shorter than the Washington state average, at 17.3 minutes.
Drawbacks
Yakima's overall crime rate is 22% higher than the national average, with violent crimes being 52% higher.
The nightlife and cultural scene can be limited, with many establishments closing early and less investment in arts compared to larger cities.
Public transit is not extensive, making car ownership almost essential for getting around the city effectively.
Some specialized medical care may require residents to travel to larger cities outside of Yakima.
Groceries and utilities are slightly more expensive 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
Yakima
#564Washington, USA
47.3 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,127
Avg Salary
$34,628
Cost Index
102
Commute
17 min
Transit Score
—
Walkability
—
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
5.30%
Livability
74
Business
68
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