Salary Needed to Live in Yakima as a Single
A single adult living independently needs approximately $50,152/year to live comfortably in Yakima, WA, including 10% savings.
Direct Answer
A single person needs about $50,152/year to live comfortably in Yakima, WA. The bare-minimum salary is $43,282/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 10% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $2,972.
The minimum scenario leaves about $2,633/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $4,179/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$50,152
with 10% savings
Bare Minimum
$43,282
$3,607/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$2,633
26% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Single in Yakima
| Expense | Yakima | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio/1BR Rent | $782 | $1,351 | -42% |
| Groceries | $272 | $207 | +31% |
| Utilities | $147 | $169 | -13% |
| Transportation | $265 | $316 | -16% |
| Car Insurance | $176 | $215 | -18% |
| Health Insurance | $423 | $642 | -34% |
| Internet | $57 | $65 | -12% |
| Phone | $75 | $85 | -12% |
| Dining & Social | $264 | $300 | -12% |
| Entertainment | $106 | $120 | -12% |
| Personal Care | $66 | $75 | -12% |
| Total Monthly | $2,633 | $3,545 | -26% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$2,633
Target savings (10%):$339/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$2,972
Effective tax rate:27%
Gross annual salary needed:$50,152
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$782
Studio/1BR rent is 30% of this monthly budget.
Taxes
27%
Estimated federal plus WA state tax reserve used to convert take-home needs into gross salary.
Savings target
10%
$339/mo is reserved for savings so the salary is not just break-even.
Local index
88/100
Yakima is below the national baseline; the model adjusts baseline spending by local rent and cost data.
Compare Salary Needed in Nearby west Cities
Salary Planning Checklist
- Keep studio/1br housing near $782/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $568/mo for persona-specific costs such as Internet and Phone.
- Use $43,282/year as the survival floor and $50,152/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in Yakima
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a single person need in Yakima?
A single person needs approximately $50,152/year ($4,179/month gross) to live comfortably in Yakima with a 10% savings rate.
How much is rent for a single person in Yakima?
A studio/1br in Yakima costs approximately $782/month, which is the largest single expense at 30% of the total budget.
Is Yakima affordable for a single person?
Yes, Yakima is 26% more affordable than the national average for a single person.