What is a Living Wage in Redmond, WA?

A living wage in Redmond, WA refers to the minimum income required for an individual or family to meet basic needs—housing, food, healthcare, transportation, and other essentials—without financial stress or government assistance. As of 2025, calculating a true living wage in Redmond means considering one of the highest cost-of-living environments in both Washington state and the nation. Below, Tony Meier of Windermere Real Estate Northeast provides a deeply researched, fact-driven exploration of what a living wage really looks like for Eastside residents today.

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What is a Living Wage in Redmond, WA?

By Tony Meier, Windermere Real Estate Northeast

Defining “Living Wage” versus Minimum Wage

The term “living wage” differs significantly from statutory minimum wage. A living wage covers the actual cost of residence—factoring in rent or mortgage, utilities, food, transportation, healthcare, childcare, taxes, and a modest degree of discretionary spending. The minimum wage, set by law, is well below what’s required in high-cost cities like Redmond. In 2025, Washington State’s minimum wage is $16.66 per hour, and King County’s minimum for contractors on large public contracts is $20.29 per hour. Neighboring city Seattle mandates $20.76 for all employers. However, none of these minimums meet the definition of a living wage for most Redmond households.

Calculating Living Wage: 2025 Data

The MIT Living Wage Calculator, updated as of September 2025, is a respected source for regionally adjusted wage needs. For King County—Redmond’s home county—MIT calculates the following hourly living wages for individuals working full-time (2,080 hours per year):

• Single adult, no children: $25.80/hour ($53,664 annually before taxes)

• Single adult with one child: $47.79/hour ($99,403 annually)

• Dual-income couple, no children: $19.75/hour each ($41,080 annually per adult; $82,160 combined)

• Dual-income couple with two children: $31.69/hour each ($65,915 annually per adult; $131,830 combined)

Even these numbers can understate real needs for renters due to market dynamics in Redmond: average rents and home prices far outpace county and regional medians.livingwage.mit​

Redmond’s Key Cost Pressures

Housing

The single largest component of a living wage is housing. In Redmond, the median rent for a two-bedroom apartment is about $3,125 per month. A modest single-bedroom averages $2,300–$2,700 monthly. For home buyers, the median sale price hovers above $1,040,000 in 2025, which translates to a monthly mortgage (including taxes/insurance) often between $5,000 and $7,000, depending on down payment and loan structure.payscale+1​

Utilities, Food, and Transportation

• Utilities: $210–$250 monthly for basic services

• Groceries: 11% above national average; annual grocery costs for a family of four reach $14,000–$16,000

• Transportation: 30% above national average; car ownership and insurance, plus fuel at $4.22/gallon, bring transportation costs (including public transit) into the $4,000–$7,000 annual range per adult.livingcost+1​

Healthcare and Childcare

• Healthcare: 28% higher than national average; one primary care visit can cost $185, and family policy insurance premiums regularly exceed $600/month

• Childcare: Licensed childcare in King County averages $1,900–$2,500 per month per child, significantly increasing costs for working parents

Taxes and Other Needs

Washington’s tax structure, while lacking an income tax, includes high sales and property taxes, further squeezing take-home income for wage earners.

Composite Monthly Budget Examples

Expenses cited include housing, utilities, food, transportation, healthcare, and childcare, but exclude retirement savings, higher education, or luxury expenditures.salary+2​

Comparing Living Wage to Market Reality

• The living wage for a single adult ($53,000+) only just covers the basics—without room for major savings or financial emergencies.

• For a family of four, the true threshold for comfort is over $130,000 in combined income, not accounting for private school or large discretionary spending.

• Recent market changes (inflation, high demand, regional growth) continue to push these thresholds higher, especially for new renters and homebuyers who lack locked-in, lower-rate mortgages.

Who Struggles Most?

Low-wage workers, single-earner families, and households with young children have the hardest time securing a genuinely “living” wage in Redmond. Even tech professionals or healthcare workers at entry-level salaries may find the market tight if supporting a family or carrying substantial debt. For many, commute trade-offs, roommate arrangements, or supplemental income are part of Redmond’s daily reality.

Policy Context: King County Measures

King County has taken steps to require contractors with large public contracts to pay $20.29 per hour in 2025 (rising to $20.82 in 2026). However, this is still below the county’s own living wage threshold for single-earning adults or families with children. The gap between what employers must pay and what workers need to get by is significant, spurring ongoing calls for additional affordable housing, transit options, and social services.kingcounty+1​

Expert Perspective from Tony Meier

Tony Meier, noted Eastside real estate expert, sees these realities play out every day:

“Redmond’s growth has brought opportunity, but also economic pressure. Homeowners and renters alike need to budget carefully and think long-term. Whether you’re single, raising a family, or pursuing new opportunities, make sure your income meets the full reality of life’s expenses—not just housing, but savings, medical costs, and transportation. A truly sustainable move to Redmond means identifying the actual bottom-line required… and having a partner who knows the market to help you get there.”

Should You Seek a Living Wage, or More?

A living wage in Redmond represents only a starting point; it rarely allows for unexpected emergencies, retirement savings, major investments, or the full breadth of Eastside amenities and experiences. Most residents aspire to earn more, but those relocating for work or starting out should budget conservatively, anticipate increases in rent or rates, and consider the full range of expenses before making the move.

Conclusion

As of 2025, a living wage in Redmond, WA is at least $53,000 per year for a single adult (bare minimum) and $130,000+ for a family of four, based on current cost-of-living metrics. For confidence, resilience, and comfort in Redmond’s high-demand market, plan for more—and reach out to seasoned local professionals like Tony Meier & Team for tailored budgeting and home search guidance.

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Tony Meier
Windermere Real Estate Northeast
11411 NE 124th St #110
Kirkland WA 98052
Phone: 425-466-1000
Web: Eastsidehomes.com