What’s the average mortgage payment in Washington?

From evergreen forests and mountain views to thriving coastal cities, Washington’s scenery is a major draw for home buyers. That appeal, combined with strong job markets and limited housing supply in many regions, has pushed both home prices and monthly mortgage payments higher across much of the state, particularly in and around major metros.

The average monthly mortgage payment in Washington State is around $2,096 before property taxes and insurance according to combined Redfin and Rocket Mortgage data, just above the national average of $2,010 per month. 

The Washington housing market at a glance

According to November 2025 data, the median home sale price in Washington is $626,500. While this price is still above the national median of $433,275, this is down almost 2% from the last year. 

Here’s some of the recent median sale prices across the state from Redfin:

What influences mortgage payments in Washington?

Monthly mortgage payments are typically made up of principal, interest, property taxes, and homeowners insurance, commonly known as PITI. Each of these factors can change based on where you buy, how much you borrow, and the type of loan you choose. The Rocket Mortgage^® mortgage calculator can help you see how changes in price, rate, or down payment can impact monthly costs.

Home price and down payment

Washington’s home prices are higher than the majority of other states, particularly in the Puget Sound region. A 20% down payment on a median priced home at $626,500 is $125,300. With a 30-year fixed mortgage at 6.5%, the estimated principal and interest payment comes out to about $3,168 per month before taxes and insurance. While making a smaller down payment can reduce the higher upfront costs, your monthly costs will increase with the larger principal and added cost of private mortgage insurance (PMI). 

Mortgage rate

Mortgage interest rates play a significant role in affordability, especially in higher-priced markets like Washington. Rates are influenced by credit score, down payment amount, type of loan, debt-to-income ratio (DTI), and current market rates. In a state with higher loan balances, even small rate changes can noticeably impact monthly costs.

Loan term

The loan term affects both monthly payments and total interest paid over time. A 30-year fixed mortgage typically offers lower monthly payments, while a 15-year fixed mortgage comes with higher monthly costs but reduces overall interest and builds equity faster. Washington buyers often choose based on income stability and long-term financial priorities.

Property taxes and insurance

Washington’s property tax rates sit right in the middle of the national range at 0.84%, but higher home values can still result in substantial monthly tax costs. For a median-value home in Washington, around $519,800, property taxes can total an annual cost of $4,361, or a little over $360 per month. 

Homeowners insurance costs in Washington are generally below the national average. Insurify estimates the average annual cost to be around $1,392, but premiums can be higher in areas with greater risk from wildfires or older housing stock.

Average monthly mortgage payments in Washington compared to its neighbors

Aside from California, Washington has the highest average monthly mortgage payment in the PNW and surrounding states. Strong employment areas, population growth, and geographic constraints around its many natural resources continue to shape housing affordability statewide.

Highest monthly payments in Washington

The highest average mortgage payments in Washington are concentrated in counties with major employment hubs or limited housing supply, particularly in and around the Seattle area. These regions consistently post some of the highest home prices in the state. The table below shows the five highest estimated average monthly mortgage payments based on Q1 2025 median sale prices from the National Association of REALTORS^®:

Lowest monthly payments in Washington

Lower monthly payments are generally found in more rural or inland counties, where home prices are lower and competition is less intense. These areas can offer more affordable entry points for buyers prioritizing monthly budget flexibility. Here are the five lowest estimated monthly mortgage payments in Washington: 

How to calculate your mortgage payment

Lenders calculate mortgage payments using a standard formula that accounts for your loan amount, interest rate, and repayment term. The Rocket Mortgage online mortgage calculator allows you to run the numbers yourself and adjust price, down payment, and rate assumptions. Additional Rocket Mortgage tools can also help you understand affordability and long-term ownership costs.

Washington-specific mortgage resources 

Redfin keeps a list of programs for first-time home buyers in Washington to help you explore ways to make homeownership more attainable. We’ll look closer at a few of them below: 

• Washington State Housing Finance Commission (WSHFC) Programs: Find lots of information on down payment assistance, home buyer education classes, home loan programs, and more through the WSHFC, a state agency committed to increasing housing access and affordability for people in Washington.  

• HomeSight Programs: A local nonprofit dedicated to increasing homeownership opportunities and resources in the state of Washington.They offer mortgage lending programs, down payment assistance, and free home buyer education. 

• Seattle Office of Housing: Local to Seattle Washington, the Office of Housing provides down payment assistance to home buyers at or below 80% of the AMI through nonprofit and lending partners. 

FAQs on the average monthly mortgage payment in Washington

Have more questions about the average monthly mortgage payment in Washington? We have answers! 

What is a good mortgage payment in Washington right now?

As with any state, a good monthly mortgage payment in Washington is one that comfortably fits your budget and aligns with your long-term financial goals. Since Washington home prices are generally higher than the national average, many buyers can have mortgage payments that are also above the state average. Rocket Mortgage’s home affordability calculator can help you estimate a price range that works for your income.

What’s the difference between a 15-year vs. 30-year mortgage in Washington?

A 15-year mortgage increases monthly costs but reduces total interest paid and helps build equity faster. A 30-year mortgage generally offers lower monthly payments, making higher-priced homes more manageable. Washington buyers often weigh these options based on income growth, savings goals, and long-term housing plans.

How much income is needed to afford a home in Washington?

Based on combined Redfin and Rocket Mortgage data, the average annual household income in Washington is $124,738. This higher-than-average income reflects the higher prices and monthly costs found throughout the state. To get a better idea of how much home you can buy with your specific income, use tools like the Rocket Mortgage affordability calculator. 

The bottom line: What shapes mortgage payments in Washington

Mortgage payments in Washington are driven largely by higher home prices, along with interest rates, loan terms, and local property taxes. While monthly costs can be higher than average, the state offers diverse housing markets with options across urban, suburban, and rural areas.

Whether you’re buying your first home or relocating within the Evergreen State, getting prequalified for a loan with Rocket Mortgage can help you understand your buying power and move forward with confidence.

*Methodology: Average monthly mortgage payment in a region, calculated based on average home purchase price for a fixed 30-year loan and a 52-week average interest rate of 6.68% from Freddie Mac as of August 2025.