How Expensive Is It to Live in Bonney Lake, WA in 2025? A Local’s Perspective

Thinking about moving to Bonney Lake, Washington?
Before you pack the boxes and set your sights on Mount Rainier, there’s one big question most people ask:

“Is Bonney Lake expensive?”

The short answer: yes, it’s more expensive than the national average.
The real answer: it depends on what you’re comparing—and what kind of life you’re trying to build.

As a real estate professional who works with homeowners and relocating families every day, I want to give you more than statistics. I want to give you insight.

In this article, I’ll break down:

• What the real cost of living in Bonney Lake looks like in 2025

• How it compares to nearby areas in Pierce and King County

• What’s driving the higher price tags

• Who Bonney Lake is a good fit for

• Why it might still be one of the smartest moves you can make

Let’s get into it.

Cost of Living in Bonney Lake: The Basics

Bonney Lake isn’t a hidden gem anymore. Over the last 10 years, it’s grown fast, thanks to its location, lifestyle, and newer housing developments.

As of 2025, here’s how the cost of living breaks down compared to the national average:

• Housing: Higher than national average

• Groceries: Slightly above average

• Utilities: Moderate to high, depending on your home size

• Gas and transportation: High (commuting is common here)

• Healthcare: On par with other Washington suburbs

If you’re moving here from a high-cost metro like Los Angeles, San Diego, or the Bay Area, Bonney Lake might feel like a bargain.
If you’re coming from Idaho, Texas, or the Midwest? You’ll probably feel some sticker shock.

How Bonney Lake Compares to Other Washington Cities

If you're trying to understand Bonney Lake’s price tag, you have to compare it locally—not just nationally.

Here’s how it stacks up in early 2025:

While Bonney Lake isn’t the cheapest suburb, it offers more value per dollar than Bellevue, Sammamish, or Issaquah. And unlike Tacoma or Puyallup, it’s known for newer homes, more space, and intentional community design.

Why Is Bonney Lake More Expensive?

You’re not just paying for a house. You’re paying for:

1. Newer Construction

Most homes in Bonney Lake were built in the last 10–15 years. That means higher starting prices, but fewer maintenance headaches.

2. Master-Planned Communities

Neighborhoods like Tehaleh are designed for lifestyle. They include parks, trails, coffee shops, and gathering spaces. You're not just buying a home—you’re buying into a community.

3. Proximity Without the Pressure

You’re 25–30 minutes from Tacoma, and about an hour to Seattle. Close enough for hybrid work, far enough to breathe.

4. Mountain Views and Outdoor Access

Mount Rainier, Lake Tapps, Victor Falls—it’s all in your backyard. People pay for scenery, and Bonney Lake delivers.

Who Is Bonney Lake a Good Fit For?

✔ Families with kids

Great schools, tons of parks, and quiet neighborhoods make Bonney Lake ideal for raising a family.

✔ Couples looking for a calmer pace

Whether you're upsizing, downsizing, or starting over, the lifestyle here feels peaceful but not isolated.

✔ Remote workers

If you work from home but want nature and a community feel, Bonney Lake gives you the best of both.

✔ Divorcing homeowners

If you’re separating and need a stable, private environment to rebuild, Bonney Lake offers housing options that fit both budgets and fresh starts.

Who Might Struggle With the Costs

✘ Single-income renters

Renting in Bonney Lake is possible, but prices are high and inventory is low.

✘ Young professionals seeking nightlife

This isn’t Capitol Hill. Bonney Lake is quiet. If you want bars and entertainment, you’ll need to drive.

✘ Budget-focused buyers from low-cost states

If your goal is to find the absolute lowest housing price, Bonney Lake probably isn’t it.

What Locals Say About the Costs

You won’t find many locals arguing that Bonney Lake is cheap. But here’s what they’ll tell you:

“I moved from Seattle and couldn’t believe how much more I got for my money.”
“It’s not cheap, but I finally feel like I’m living somewhere that fits my values.”
“You pay more, but you get a whole different quality of life.”

When you take into account the lifestyle, environment, and community, most people find it worth it.

Hidden Costs to Know About

If you're considering a move, here are a few things that might catch you off guard:

• Commuting expenses: Gas, tolls, and time add up if you work in the city.

• HOA fees: Many new communities have dues. Know what you're signing up for.

• Property taxes: Higher home values mean higher taxes. Talk to a local expert to estimate your total payment.

• Limited rentals: If you’re planning to rent first, options can be tight and expensive.

Smart Tips for Buyers

Here’s what I tell every client moving to Bonney Lake:

1. Don’t just chase square footage.
A well-designed 2,000 sq ft home here can feel more livable than a 2,800 sq ft home somewhere else.

2. Tour the neighborhoods at different times of day.
Get a real feel for the community. Some are buzzing with kids and activity. Others are quiet and remote.

3. Think about your 5-year plan.
Bonney Lake works best for people who plan to stay put for a while. This isn’t a flip-and-go town. It’s a place to settle.

4. Partner with a local expert.
The right Realtor can help you find value, avoid overpaying, and navigate the fast-moving market. If you don’t know someone, I’d be happy to help.

So... Is Bonney Lake Too Expensive?

If you’re comparing it to small-town Idaho? Yes.
If you’re comparing it to Bellevue or Seattle? Not at all.
If you’re asking whether it’s worth the price? That depends on you.

Here’s what I see every day:

• Families who feel like they finally found the space they’ve been craving

• Couples who move here after divorce and feel like they can breathe again

• Relocators from California who say, “This is what we were looking for all along”

So yes, Bonney Lake is more expensive than the national average.
But for a lot of people, it’s exactly what they need—and they’ll tell you it was worth every dollar.

Thinking About Moving to Bonney Lake?

If you’re out of state, going through a life change, or just trying to figure out if Bonney Lake makes sense for your family—I’m here to help.

I work with buyers, sellers, and families in transition all over the Pierce County and South King County region. My job is to help you make the kind of move that fits your life—not just your budget.

Reach out for a confidential home valuation or relocation consult.
Even if you're still early in the process, it helps to talk to someone who actually knows the area.

Let’s make sure your next move is the right one.

Author:
Austin Robertson | Local Real Estate Broker
Robertson & Co Real Estate Team | Bonney Lake, WA

Looking to sell, buy, or relocate? Let’s talk.
Email: austin@robertsonand.co  Phone: 2532252395