Cost of Living in Washington, NC
Population 9,754 · North Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Household incomes in Washington run well below national norms — a median of $41,723 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $194,000).
Located 90 miles southwest of Chesapeake, Washington is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 46% lower than Chesapeake's $359,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Washington
The median home value in Washington is $193,800 — 36% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $813/month, 38% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $41,723/year is 44% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.9%, below the national average of 4.8%. North Carolina's top state income tax rate is 4.5% and the combined sales tax is 7.0%. The climate averages highs of 73.2°F and lows of 52.2°F. Overall, Washington has a cost of living index of 63 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 37% less expensive.
Washington has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 55 | 59 | 65 | 74 | 80 | 87 | 90 | 88 | 83 | 75 | 66 | 59 |
| Low °F | 34 | 36 | 42 | 50 | 59 | 67 | 71 | 70 | 65 | 54 | 43 | 37 |
| Precip" | 3.89 | 3.32 | 3.85 | 3.18 | 4.25 | 4.60 | 6.26 | 6.81 | 6.33 | 3.56 | 3.33 | 3.63 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Washington, NC?
Washington has a cost index of 63 (100 = national average). It is 37% below the national average.
What is average rent in Washington, NC?
The median gross rent in Washington is $813 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Washington?
The median home value in Washington is $193,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Washington?
The median household income in Washington is $41,723 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Washington, NC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Washington is 7.0%. The North Carolina state income tax top rate is 4.5%.
Is Washington, NC affordable?
Yes, Washington is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 63 — about 37% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Washington?
Washington has average high temperatures of 73.2°F and average lows of 52.2°F. Annual precipitation is 53". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Washington at a Glance
- Population
- 9,754
- Median Income
- $41,723
- Home Value
- $193,800
- Median Rent
- $813/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.9%
- Avg High Temp
- 73.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
North Carolina Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs