Redmond, WA: The 2026 Relocation Deep Dive

Redmond: The Data Profile (2026)

Redmond represents a distinct economic enclave within the Pacific Northwest. With a population of 80,275, it functions less as a sprawling metropolis and more as a high-density corporate hub. The defining characteristic of this city is the massive delta between local earning power and national averages. The median household income sits at $172,979, which is a staggering +131.9% higher than the US median of $74,580. This wealth is directly correlated to educational attainment; 76.4% of residents hold a college degree, nearly triple the US average of 33.1%.

The statistical target demographic is clear: highly skilled technology professionals, often dual-income households, aged 28-45, who prioritize career proximity and educational infrastructure over raw square footage. This is a city where the labor force is the primary asset.

Cost of Living Analysis

While the "Housing" index drives the overall cost of living to 118.0 (18% above the US average), the remaining sectors are surprisingly competitive. Groceries and transportation remain near parity with the nation, with indices of 98.8 and 101.2 respectively. The outlier is electricity, where Redmond residents pay 11.9 cents/kWh, significantly undercutting the US average of 16.0 cents/kWh.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis:
Despite the high costs, the $172,979 median income provides a robust buffer. A single professional earning the median can expect to spend approximately 26% of their gross income on the above budget, leaving significant room for investment. However, for a family relying on a single median income, that burden jumps to over 49%, necessitating dual incomes to maintain the standard of living.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market is the primary financial hurdle. While renting is expensive at $2,501 for a 2-bedroom unit, the purchase market is significantly more aggressive. The median home price is $1,150,000, which is +120% higher than the US average. The Price per Square Foot sits at $640, making it one of the most expensive markets per unit of space.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting Analysis)

Buy vs. Rent Analysis:
Given the median home price of $1,150,000, the barrier to entry for buying is exceptionally high. Renting a 3-bedroom home for $3,600 monthly costs $43,200 annually. To carry a $1,150,000 mortgage (assuming 20% down) at current rates would result in monthly payments exceeding $6,500. Therefore, for those not sitting on significant equity or stock options, renting is the only viable short-to-medium term option, with a cost delta of roughly $35,000 annually in favor of renting over buying.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

Redmond is the global headquarters for Microsoft and a major hub for Nintendo of America. The economy is exceptionally stable, though heavily reliant on the tech sector. The 4.6% unemployment rate is slightly elevated compared to the 4.0% national average, a statistical anomaly often seen in highly competitive markets where labor participation is high.

RTO and Commute:
In the post-remote landscape of 2026, Redmond has enforced a hybrid model. The average commute time is 24 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 27 minutes, due to the density of housing near tech campuses. However, traffic congestion on NE 85th St and SR-520 remains a bottleneck during peak hours (07:00–09:00 and 16:00–18:00).

Quality of Life Audit

Redmond scores exceptionally high on health metrics, a direct correlation to the high median income and educational levels. The Health Score of 89.6/100 is elite. Risk factors are drastically lower than the US average: Obesity is 18.5% (vs 31.9% US) and Diabetes is 5.4% (vs 10.9% US).

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety & Environment:
Safety is a mixed data set. Violent Crime is 372 per 100k, which is actually better than the US average of 380. However, Property Crime is a significant issue at 3,457 per 100k, nearly 73% higher than the national average of 2,000. Residents must take precautions regarding vehicle and home security.

Air Quality & Weather:
The AQI of 41 is "Good," driven by coastal winds and strict environmental regulations. PM2.5 levels are 4.5 µg/m³, well below the WHO guideline of 5.0 µg/m³. Currently, the weather is 43.0°F with mostly cloudy skies, which is characteristic of the region's marine layer.

Schools:
Public schools in Redmond are consistently rated in the top 5% nationally, funded by high property taxes and a parent base that prioritizes education.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Elite Income Potential: Median income of $172,979 offers high purchasing power for non-housing goods.
• Health & Longevity: Obesity rates at 18.5% and AQI of 41 create a superior environment for long-term health.
• Job Security: Proximity to major tech HQs ensures low risk of economic downturn.

Cons:

• Housing Burden: The median home price of $1,150,000 creates a massive wealth gap between homeowners and renters.
• Property Crime: The rate of 3,457 per 100k requires constant vigilance.
• Social Rigidity: The high educational barrier (76.4% college educated) can make the culture feel homogenous or high-pressure.

Final Recommendation:
Redmond is a high-performance city for high-performance professionals. It is recommended for dual-income tech couples or singles with incomes exceeding $120,000. It is not recommended for remote workers earning national averages, as the housing costs will consume a disproportionate amount of income.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Redmond?
For a single professional, a salary of $110,000 is the minimum threshold to cover the $3,761 monthly budget while saving 15%. For a family, a combined income of $220,000 is recommended.

2. How does Redmond compare to Seattle?
Redmond has a +18% housing cost premium over Seattle but offers significantly lower crime rates and better school districts. Commute to Seattle is 24 minutes via SR-520.

3. Is the property crime rate dangerous?
While violent crime is average, the property crime rate of 3,457/100k is high. You must invest in home security systems and avoid leaving valuables in vehicles.

4. When is the best time to move?
The best time to secure a rental lease is September–October (post-summer tech interns) or January–February (winter slump). Buying is best in Q4 when inventory drops but competition eases.