Albion is a small suburban community in Whitman County, Washington, located sixty miles south of Spokane. It has a small-town feel with spacious properties and a tight-knit community. Residents of Albion enjoy the convenience of living within an easy commute to larger metropolis areas such as Spokane. This charming community can be ideal for people wanting to relocate to Eastern Washington. But what are the costs involved with living in this location?
Living in Albion has some real perks. For one, there is no income tax in Washington. Property values, population growth, and the overall cost of living are generally quite low. This could be good news if you are interested in avoiding the overinflated prices of the big city and want to get a better value for your investment. With the housing market the way it is, many Americans are relocating to the suburbs in record numbers, searching for less expensive housing and a lower cost of living.
If you want to learn more about Albion, here’s a clearer picture of what to expect: rent, housing, utilities, transportation, and the overall cost of living in Albion, WA.
Rental prices
With a population of approximately 600, Albion is a very small community. The area still attracts young and first-time homebuyers, but they’re increasingly selective. The region’s slow market, high interest rates, and sluggish labor supply compel some incoming residents to rent. As of 2019, the average rent in Albion was $776, making it one of the more affordable areas to live in. Earning a median household income of $63,000 and change, Albion residents motivated to become homeowners can transition from renting to buying with the help of an expert local agent like Krista Gross.
Housing inventory, median prices, and days on market
Albion belongs to Whitman County, an expansive rural community with a relatively low population density — only about 22 people per square mile. Though quite small, Albion has a more densely concentrated population. Still, as of March 2023, there were only four homes listed as available in Albion.
The caveat of a small sample size also applies to Whitman County, where there were only 76 active listings in February 2023. That figure includes manufactured homes, houses, and condos. Only 23 such residences were sold in February, while 34 listings were pending.
An expert local realtor like Krista Gross is an invaluable resource in such a niche market. She knows the record-high median sales price in Whitman County ($431,000) and how to interpret the latest market trends. For instance, the average home sales price was $350,000 as of February 2023 — an increase of about $60,000 from January and a slight downturn year-over-year. Meanwhile, homes spent about 32 days on the market in February, an uptick from January’s average of 52 days. Data like this helps you determine when to list or buy in Albion.
Cost of living
Compared to national averages, the overall cost of living in Albion, WA is significantly lower for necessities such as utilities, groceries, transportation, and health care. Across the board, Albion's cost of living index is approximately 19% less than the U.S. national average. Compared to Washington state averages, housing prices in Albion are incredibly favorable to buyers — about 100% lower per BestPlaces. Citytistics gave Albion a livability rating of 77/100, making it an A+ in the overall cost of living.
Food and utilities
Costs for food and utilities are in the range of national and state averages, trending slightly lower. Temperatures are moderate during the region’s warm season (typically late May to early October), minimizing the need for air conditioning. Most residents drive to nearby Pullman to eat at restaurants and shop for groceries. Pullman’s restaurants are reasonably priced and represent Indian, Mediterranean, and Italian cuisine. Food and grocery costs are on par with the national average, with reasonable prices on necessities such as meats, fresh vegetables, and dairy products.
Transit
Albion is located within a 15-minute drive of Pullman, which has a population of more than 32,000. This allows Albion's residents to access the amenities of a much larger community. These include excellent restaurants, healthcare facilities, Washington State University, and places of employment. Pullman also has an Amtrak station and Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport, which operates daily flights to Seattle.
Average salary
Albion is one of the more affordable communities in Whitman County, which is good news for homebuyers looking to invest. The median household income in Albion is about $63,000. In larger cities such as Spokane, the area has plenty of employment opportunities. Residents can work in agriculture, forestry, manufacturing, technology, and healthcare fields.
The minimum wage is currently $15.74 in Whitman County, making it one of the highest in the nation. In fact, according to a recent article, Washington state is one of only four states to have a minimum wage of over $15 per hour. Another unique perk of living in Washington is that no state income tax is taken from your paycheck.
The minimum wage is currently $15.74 in Whitman County, making it one of the highest in the nation. In fact, according to a recent article, Washington state is one of only four states to have a minimum wage of over $15 per hour. Another unique perk of living in Washington is that no state income tax is taken from your paycheck.
Ready to find your next home?
Albion offers open spaces for property owners without the bustle and noise of living in a big city. The town’s low cost of living index makes Albion a good choice for residents concerned about controlling their expenses. Homes in Albion are private but conveniently located within a short drive of the larger communities of Pullman and Spokane.
If you are thinking of relocating to this charming suburban neighborhood, you should consult with an experienced realtor first who knows the area. If you want to learn more about homes in Albion, please consider working with local agent Krista Gross.
