Auburn, WA vs. Renton, WA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Renton residents pay nearly $300 more per month in housing costs compared to those in Auburn. This article provides a detailed cost of living comparison between Auburn and Renton, perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real costs of these two cities in 2025.
Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living differences. Here’s how Auburn and Renton compare for typical options:
| Housing Type | Auburn | Renton |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,650 | $1,925 |
| Median 3BR House Price | $450,000 | $525,000 |
🏆 Winner: Auburn. Renting a 2BR apartment costs around $275 less per month, while buying a home is about $75,000 cheaper on average.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities. Expect to pay around $180-$220 per month for electricity, water, and garbage in both Auburn and Renton for a typical household.
Winter heating bills tend to be slightly higher in Auburn due to colder average temperatures, while Renton’s milder climate leads to lower winter costs but slightly higher summer AC usage.
🏆 Winner: Renton, but only by a small margin of around $20/month on average.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs are nearly identical in Auburn and Renton. An average family of four can expect to spend around $800-$1000 per month on food and daily goods in either city.
Restaurant prices are also comparable, with a mid-range meal for two costing about $60 on average. However, Renton does have slightly more upscale dining options which can increase costs for those who eat out frequently.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Grocery and daily living costs are extremely close between the two cities.
Taxes and Fees
Washington state has no income tax, so the main tax costs are property taxes, sales taxes, and various city fees. Property tax rates are slightly higher in Renton at 1.03% vs 0.95% in Auburn.
Both cities charge 8.9% sales tax on most purchases. Renton has somewhat higher car registration fees and slightly steeper parking costs.
🏆 Winner: Auburn. Lower property taxes can save homeowners hundreds per year, and registration fees are a bit cheaper too.
Cost Summary Table
| Category | Auburn | Renton |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (Rent) | $1,650 | $1,925 |
| Utilities | $220 | $200 |
| Groceries | $900 | $900 |
| Transportation | $75 | $80 |
| Taxes (Excluding Property) | $350 | $360 |
| Misc Costs | $400 | $425 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $3,595 | $3,890 |
Note: Totals are based on gross monthly income (pre-tax) for a typical household.
Lifestyle Fit
While costs are important, it’s also critical to consider how each city fits your lifestyle. Some key differences:
- Renton is more walkable and has better public transit access to Seattle
- Auburn averages 3°F colder in winter than Renton
- Renton has more urban amenities, Auburn more suburban space
- Auburn offers shorter commutes to Tacoma and other southern suburbs
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Auburn more affordable than Renton? Yes, Auburn has lower housing costs and slightly lower taxes, making it more affordable overall.
- Which city has lower rent? Renting an apartment is about $275/month cheaper on average in Auburn compared to Renton.
- Where is it cheaper to buy a home? The median home price is around $75,000 lower in Auburn than in Renton as of 2025.
Conclusion
While both Auburn and Renton offer a good quality of life, Auburn comes out ahead on overall affordability. Families looking to stretch their budget and those who prefer a more suburban lifestyle will likely find Auburn the better fit. However, Renton’s walkability, transit access, and milder weather may appeal to some.
To dig deeper into typical monthly expenses in Auburn or build a personalized Auburn cost of living estimate for 2025, check out our other detailed guides. With the right planning, you can find the perfect cost balance in either of these attractive Seattle-area cities.