Washington charges no state income tax, but the 0.87% average property tax rate keeps total housing costs competitive. This calculator uses Washington-specific defaults: $580,000 median home price, 0.87% property tax, and $1,300/year average insurance.
Last updated: March 13, 2026
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Monthly Payment (Washington)$0
Loan Details — Washington
Washington median: $580,000
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Below 20% triggers PMI on conventional loans
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Average 30-year fixed ~6.75% (March 2026)
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Washington average: 0.87%
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Washington average: $1,300/yr
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Principal & Interest
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Property Tax
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Insurance
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PMI
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Total Cost of Home
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Washington Metro Area Home Prices
Click a metro to load its median price into the calculator above.
Yearly Amortization Schedule+
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Washington's Tax Landscape and Your Mortgage
Washington is one of nine states with no state income tax. That extra take-home pay makes a real difference in mortgage qualifying — a household earning $150,000 keeps roughly $5,000-$10,000 more annually compared to states with 5-7% income tax rates. That translates to an additional $400-$800/month that lenders factor into your debt-to-income ratio.
At the state's median home price of $580,000, the $0.87% property tax rate adds $421/month to your mortgage payment. That's $5,046/year — below the national median of ~1.1%.
Property Taxes Across Washington
The 0.87% statewide average masks significant variation. Property tax rates vary by county — King County (Seattle) averages ~1.0%, while some eastern WA counties fall below 0.8%
Price ranges across the state: Seattle has a median of $810,000, while Spokane sits at $380,000 — a $430,000 gap that dramatically changes your monthly payment. At $0.87% property tax, that price difference alone means $312/month more in property tax in Seattle.
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Homebuyer Programs and Exemptions
Washington offers several programs for homebuyers:
WSHFC Home Advantage with down payment assistance up to 5%
House Key Opportunity program for buyers in targeted areas
Homestead exemption: No property tax exemption for general homeowners; senior/disabled exemption available based on income
Washington-Specific Considerations
No state income tax — one of 9 states
New capital gains tax of 7% on gains above $250,000 (upheld by state supreme court as an 'excise tax')
High-cost area loan limits in Seattle metro ($977,500)
Real estate excise tax (REET) is tiered: 1.1% to 3% based on sale price
Seattle has seen enormous price appreciation driven by tech industry (Amazon, Microsoft)
Property tax rates vary by county — King County (Seattle) averages ~1.0%, while some eastern WA counties fall below 0.8%
Compare Washington Mortgage Rates
See personalized rates from Washington lenders. LendingTree matches you with up to 5 offers so you can compare and save.
0.39% property tax, 5% top rate. Median home: $232,500.
Alaska Mortgage Calculator
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1.04% property tax, no income tax. Median home: $340,000.
Arizona Mortgage Calculator
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0.62% property tax, 2.5% top rate. Median home: $395,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average property tax rate in Washington?
The average effective property tax rate in Washington is 0.87%. On a $580,000 home (the state median), that works out to approximately $5,046/year or $421/month added to your mortgage payment. Property tax rates vary by county and school district within Washington — always check your specific jurisdiction's rate. Homestead exemption: No property tax exemption for general homeowners; senior/disabled exemption available based on income
How much does homeowners insurance cost in Washington?
The average annual homeowners insurance premium in Washington is approximately $1,300 ($108/month). This is near the national average of approximately $1,500/year. Actual premiums depend on your home's location, age, construction type, and coverage limits.
What first-time homebuyer programs are available in Washington?
WSHFC Home Advantage with down payment assistance up to 5%. House Key Opportunity program for buyers in targeted areas. These programs typically have income limits, purchase price caps, and may require homebuyer education courses. Check the Washington housing finance agency website for current eligibility requirements and application deadlines.
How does Washington's lack of income tax affect home buying?
Washington has no state income tax, which means more of your gross income is available for mortgage payments. On a $150,000 salary, you keep roughly $5,000-$10,000 more per year compared to states with 5-7% income tax rates. Combined with Washington's 0.87% property tax rate, total housing costs remain competitive.
What is the conforming loan limit in Washington?
The 2026 conforming loan limit in Washington is $977,500 (high-cost area limit — some counties may have the standard $806,500 limit). Loans above this amount are considered jumbo loans and typically carry higher interest rates (0.25-0.5% premium), require larger down payments (10-20%), and have stricter qualification requirements including higher credit scores (700+) and lower debt-to-income ratios.
This calculator is for educational purposes. Tax rates and insurance costs are based on Washington state averages and may not reflect your specific county, school district, or municipality. Consult a financial professional for advice specific to your situation.