21 Best Cities to Live in Washington State as a Student | Study Abroad Guide

Thinking of studying abroad in the United States? If so, Washington State should be at the top of your list. With its stunning natural beauty, vibrant cities, and world-class universities, Washington has something to offer every student.

But with so many great places to live in Washington, how do you choose the best city for you? That’s where we come in. In this article, we’ll take a look at the 21 best cities to live in Washington State as a student, based on factors such as cost of living, job market, amenities, and overall quality of life.

Whether you’re looking for a big city with endless possibilities or a smaller town with a more relaxed vibe, we’ve got you covered. So read on to discover the best cities in Washington State for students in 2023!

But before we get started, let’s talk about what makes Washington State such a great place to study abroad.

First of all, the scenery is simply breathtaking. From the snow-capped peaks of the Cascade Mountains to the lush forests of the Olympic Peninsula, Washington has something to offer nature lovers of all kinds.

Second, Washington is home to a vibrant arts and culture scene. There are world-class museums, theaters, and music venues in every major city. And don’t forget about the food! Washington is a foodie’s paradise, with everything from fresh seafood to award-winning wines.

And finally, Washingtonians are known for their friendly and welcoming nature. Students from all over the world feel at home in Washington State.

So if you’re looking for an unforgettable study abroad experience, Washington State is the place for you. 

Now, let’s take a closer look at the 21 best cities to live in Washington State as a student in 2023!

Best Cities to Live in Washington State as a Student

Here are the 21 best cities to live in Washington State as a student studying in the State:

1. Seattle

2. Bellevue

3. Tacoma

4. Spokane

5. Redmond

6. Olympia

7. Kirkland

8. Pullman

9. Vancouver

10. Walla Walla

11. Maple Valley

12. Everett

13. Renton

14. Kent

15. Cheney

16. Lynden

17. Lake Stevens

18. Port Angeles

19. Pasco

20. Newcastle

21. Richland 

1. Seattle

Seattle is one of the best cities in Washington state to live in as a student. It has a vibrant and diverse culture, a strong economy, and a thriving job market.

Seattle is also home to some of the top universities in the country, including the University of Washington, Seattle University, and Western Washington University.

The cost of living in Seattle can be high, but there are still affordable options for students. Many of the city’s neighborhoods offer a mix of student housing, apartments, and condos. 

Overall, Seattle is a great city for students to live in. It offers a variety of academic opportunities, a strong economy, a vibrant culture, and affordable housing options.

2. Bellevue

Bellevue, Washington is one of the best cities to live in Washington state as a student for a number of reasons. It is a vibrant and diverse city with a strong economy, excellent schools, and a variety of amenities that cater to students.

Bellevue is home to a number of Fortune 500 companies, including Microsoft, Amazon, and T-Mobile. This means that there are many job opportunities available for students after they graduate. Bellevue is also a major hub for the tech industry, so students who are interested in pursuing a career in technology will be well-positioned in this city.

Also, Bellevue is a diverse and welcoming community. Students from all over the world come to Bellevue to study, and the city is very supportive of its student population. 

3. Tacoma

Tacoma, Washington is a vibrant and affordable city that offers a great quality of life for students. With its diverse population, thriving arts and culture scene, and abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities, Tacoma has something to offer everyone.

Tacoma is one of the most affordable cities in Washington state, with a cost of living that is significantly lower than Seattle. This makes it a great option for students who are looking to save money on housing, transportation, and other expenses.

Also, Tacoma is home to three major universities: the University of Washington Tacoma, Pacific Lutheran University, and the University of Puget Sound. These schools offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, and they are all highly ranked.

4. Spokane

Spokane, Washington is a great city for students, offering a number of advantages over other cities in the state.

The city has a much lower cost of living than Seattle, making it more affordable for students to live and study. According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Spokane is about 75% of the cost of living in Seattle. This means that students can save money on housing, food, transportation, and other expenses.

Spokane has a strong public school system, which is important for students who are considering staying in the city after graduation.

Furthermore, Spokane’s downtown area has undergone a major revitalization in recent years, and there is now a lot to do for students in the city center. There are a variety of restaurants, bars, shops, and cultural attractions, including the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture, the Bing Crosby Theater, and the Riverfront Park.

5. Redmond

Redmond, Washington is one of the best cities in Washington state to live in as a student. It is a vibrant and diverse community with a strong economy, excellent educational opportunities, and plenty of amenities to enjoy.

Redmond is home to a number of Fortune 500 companies, including Microsoft, Nintendo, and AT&T. This provides students with a variety of internship and job opportunities while they are in school and after they graduate.

Redmond is home to several highly-ranked educational institutions, including:

• The University of Washington Bothell
• Bellevue College
• Cascadia College
• Microsoft Academy

These schools offer a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, including many in the fields of technology, engineering, and business.

6. Olympia

Olympia, Washington is one of the best cities to live in Washington State as a student. It offers a combination of affordability, access to quality education, and a vibrant cultural scene.

Olympia is a relatively affordable city, especially compared to other major cities in Washington state such as Seattle and Bellevue. The cost of living is lower, and housing prices are more reasonable. This makes it easier for students to afford to live and study in Olympia.

Also, Olympia is home to a number of high-quality colleges and universities, including Washington State University (WSU) Olympia, The Evergreen State College, and South Puget Sound Community College (SPCC). 

These schools offer a wide range of academic programs, and students can choose the school that best meets their needs.

7. Kirkland

Kirkland, Washington is one of the best cities to live in Washington state for students. It offers a variety of amenities and advantages that make it a great place to live, learn, and grow.

Kirkland is home to several top-ranked universities and colleges, including the University of Washington Bothell, Seattle Pacific University, and Bellevue College. 

These schools offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, making them a great choice for students of all interests.

While the cost of living in Kirkland is higher than in some other parts of Washington state, it is still relatively affordable compared to other major metropolitan areas. 

Read Also- 17 Best Places To Stay In Wisconsin Dells as a Student | Study Abroad Guide

8. Pullman

Pullman, Washington is one of the best cities to live in Washington state as a student. It is a vibrant college town with a strong sense of community, affordable housing, and plenty of opportunities for students to get involved.

Pullman is one of the most affordable college towns in the country. The cost of living is significantly lower than in major metropolitan areas like Seattle and Spokane. Students can find affordable housing in a variety of options, including apartments, houses, and dorms.

Pullman is a close-knit community with a strong sense of pride in its university. Students are actively involved in campus life and the surrounding community. There are many opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations.

9. Vancouver

Vancouver, Washington is one of the best cities to live in Washington state as a student for a number of reasons. It is a vibrant and diverse city with a strong economy, a relatively low cost of living, and a variety of educational institutions to choose from.

Vancouver is home to a number of highly-ranked colleges and universities, including:

• Clark College
• Washington State University Vancouver
• Concordia University

Also, the cost of living in Vancouver is relatively low compared to other major cities in the Pacific Northwest. This makes it a great place for students to live on a budget.

According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Vancouver is 10% lower than the national average. This means that students can save money on housing, food, transportation, and other expenses.

10. Walla Walla

Walla Walla, Washington, is a small city with a big personality. It’s known for its world-class wines, friendly people, and vibrant arts scene. But Walla Walla is also a great place for students to live.

Walla Walla is home to two four-year colleges: Whitman College and Walla Walla University. Both schools offer excellent academics and a supportive student community.

Also, Walla Walla is one of the most affordable cities in Washington state. Students can find affordable housing, food, and transportation.

It has a thriving arts and culture scene. There are several museums, theaters, and music venues in the city. Students can also enjoy a variety of festivals and events throughout the year.

11. Maple Valley

Maple Valley, Washington is a great city for students to live in. It has a number of excellent public schools, as well as several private schools and colleges. 

Some of the most popular schools for students include Tahoma High School, Maple Valley Middle School, and Cedar River College.

Maple Valley has a lower cost of living than many other cities in Washington state. This makes it a more affordable option for students who are on a budget.

It is also located within commuting distance of several major universities, including the University of Washington, Washington State University, and Seattle University. 

This makes it a convenient option for students who want to live close to campus, but still enjoy the benefits of a smaller town.

12. Everett

Everett, Washington is a great city for students who are looking for a balance between affordability, convenience, and access to quality education and amenities.

The city has a lower cost of living than many other major cities in Washington, including Seattle and Bellevue. This means that students can save money on rent, transportation, and other expenses.

Furthermore, Everett is home to several colleges and universities, including Everett Community College, Northwest College of Art and Design, and Washington State University Everett. This gives students a variety of choices when it comes to their education.

Everett also has a number of amenities that are popular with students, including restaurants, bars, shops, and parks. 

There are also several cultural attractions in the city, such as the Everett Performing Arts Center and the Everett Museum of Art.

13. Renton

Renton, Washington is a great city for students to live in, offering a variety of amenities and conveniences that make it easy to focus on academics and still enjoy a vibrant social life.

One of the biggest draws of Renton for students is its relatively affordable housing market. Rent prices are significantly lower than in Seattle, and there are a variety of housing options available, from apartments to houses. This makes it possible for students to save money on rent and focus on their studies.

In addition to these general benefits, Renton is also home to several colleges and universities, including:

• Renton Technical College
• Green River College
• Seattle Central College
• Bellevue College
• University of Washington Bothell

This means that students can easily find affordable and convenient housing near their campus. 

14. Kent

Kent, Washington is one of the best cities to live in Washington state as a student for many reasons.

The city has a lower cost of living than many other cities in Washington state, including Seattle and Bellevue. This makes it easier for students to afford housing, food, and other expenses.

Kent is located just south of Seattle, making it easy for students to access the city’s many amenities, such as museums, restaurants, and cultural attractions.

Kent has many colleges and universities, as well as a variety of community organizations that offer extracurricular activities for students. This gives students plenty of opportunities to get involved in their community and meet new people.

15. Cheney

Cheney, a small city in Washington state, is known for being a great place to live for students. It is home to Eastern Washington University, a public university with over 14,000 students. 

Cheney offers students a mix of small-town charm and big-city amenities, making it a perfect place to learn and grow.

One of the biggest draws of Cheney for students is its affordability. The cost of living in Cheney is significantly lower than in many other college towns in Washington state. 

This means that students can save money on rent, food, and other expenses, while still having access to all the resources they need to succeed.

Cheney is located in a beautiful part of Washington state, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. 

Students can enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, and camping in the nearby mountains and forests. Cheney also has a number of parks and recreation facilities within the city limits.

16. Lynden

Lynden, Washington is a small city located in Whatcom County, just 25 miles south of the Canadian border. 

It is home to Western Washington University (WWU), which makes it a popular choice for students looking for a vibrant college-town atmosphere.

Lynden is a relatively affordable city to live in, especially compared to larger cities like Seattle and Vancouver. 

Housing costs are particularly reasonable, and there are a number of student-friendly apartments and rental houses available.

Also, Lynden is a safe and welcoming community, with a strong sense of civic pride. Students feel supported by the local residents, and there are a number of resources available to help them succeed.

17. Lake Stevens

Lake Stevens, Washington is a great city for students. Its School District is consistently ranked as one of the best in Washington state. 

The district offers a variety of AP and honors courses, as well as a strong focus on college preparation.

It is a relatively affordable city to live in, especially compared to other areas of Washington state, such as Seattle and Bellevue. This makes it a good option for students on a budget.

Furthermore, Lake Stevens is a safe and friendly community with a strong sense of community spirit. Students can feel comfortable living and studying in Lake Stevens, knowing that they are surrounded by supportive people.

18. Port Angeles

Port Angeles, Washington is a charming coastal city with a lot to offer students. Situated on the Olympic Peninsula, Port Angeles is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, including Olympic National Park, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and the Pacific Ocean. 

This makes it a great place to live for students who enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, and kayaking.

In addition to its natural beauty, Port Angeles also offers a number of affordable housing options and a cost of living that is lower than the state average. This makes it a great place for students to save money on their education.

Port Angeles is also home to several colleges and universities, including Peninsula College, Olympic College, and Grays Harbor College. 

These schools offer a variety of degree programs, including associate’s and bachelor’s degrees, as well as vocational and technical training.

19. Pasco

Pasco, Washington is one of the best cities to live in Washington state as a student. It is a vibrant and affordable city with a growing economy, a diverse population, and a variety of amenities that cater to students.

One of the biggest advantages of living in Pasco as a student is its affordability. The cost of living in Pasco is significantly lower than in other major cities in Washington state, such as Seattle and Bellevue. 

This means that students can save money on rent, food, and transportation, which can help them to reduce their debt burden and focus on their studies.

Pasco is home to several colleges and universities, including Columbia Basin College and Eastern Washington University. 

These institutions offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, making Pasco a great place to live for students of all levels.

20. Newcastle

Newcastle, Washington is a great city for students. It is a small, safe, and vibrant community with a lot to offer young people. 

Newcastle is also conveniently located near Seattle, which provides students with access to a variety of cultural and educational opportunities.

Also, Newcastle has a variety of housing options available, from apartments to townhouses to single-family homes. Students can find affordable housing in Newcastle, even if they are on a tight budget.

It is also a diverse community with a welcoming atmosphere. Students from all backgrounds will feel comfortable and supported in Newcastle.

21. Richland

Richland, Washington is one of the best cities to live in Washington state as a student. It has a cost of living that is significantly lower than many other cities in Washington state, including Seattle and Spokane. 

This means that students can save money on housing, food, and transportation, which can free up more money to spend on tuition and other expenses.

Richland is home to Washington State University Tri-Cities, a four-year public university that offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs. 

It also has a vibrant student life, with a number of clubs and organizations for students to get involved in. The city also hosts a number of annual events, such as the Tri-City Water Follies and Air Show.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking for a vibrant city with a thriving arts scene, a picturesque college town with easy access to nature, or a laid-back coastal community with a relaxed pace of life, Washington State has a city that’s perfect for you. 

With its world-class universities, affordable cost of living, and abundance of outdoor activities, Washington is a great place to study abroad.

References 

• Collegemovingdeals.com– Best student-friendly cities in Washington
• Niche.com– 2023 Best Cities to Live in Washington