Cost of Living in Fort Washington, PA

Population 6,105 · Pennsylvania · Data vintage 2023

172
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Fort Washington's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $561,000 for a typical home, 84% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $159,302 that put it in the upper third of the state.

Fort Washington sits roughly 10 miles northwest of Philadelphia — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 141% higher than Philadelphia's $232,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 184
Rent 155

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Fort Washington

The median home value in Fort Washington is $561,000 — 84% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,031/month, 55% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $159,302/year is 114% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.7%, below the national average of 4.8%. Pennsylvania's top state income tax rate is 3.1% and the combined sales tax is 6.3%. The climate averages highs of 63.0°F and lows of 45.0°F. Overall, Fort Washington has a cost of living index of 172 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 72% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$561,000
84% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$202,436
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$2,031/mo
55% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
23.0x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
1.6%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$779
1 BR
$871
2 BR
$1,065
3 BR
$1,337
4 BR
$1,547
Owner-occupied 80.4%
Renter-occupied 19.6%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$2,031
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,645/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
29.4 min
9% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
27.9%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
63.1%
Carpooled
4.2%
Public transit
2.3%
Walked
1.9%
Bicycle
0.3%
Work from home
27.9%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) 3.1%
Total Sales Tax 6.3%
State rate 6.0%
Avg local rate 0.3%
Property Tax 1.6%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$159,302
114% above avg
Per Capita Income
$76,797
Unemployment Rate
4.7%
3% below avg
Poverty Rate
2.8%
Labor Force Participation
69.9%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 30.1%
Graduate degree 31.1%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 45.2
Male median age 45.5
Female median age 45.1

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
63.0°F
Avg Low
45.0°F
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 404351637281858376645444
Low °F 242632425261676558473730

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 44 — Good
63.6%
Good air days/yr
284
Max AQI recorded
221
PM2.5 days
144
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Fort Washington, PA?

Fort Washington has a cost index of 172 (100 = national average). It is 72% above the national average.

What is average rent in Fort Washington, PA?

The median gross rent in Fort Washington is $2,031 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Fort Washington?

The median home value in Fort Washington is $561,000 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Fort Washington?

The median household income in Fort Washington is $159,302 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Fort Washington, PA?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Fort Washington is 6.3%. The Pennsylvania state income tax top rate is 3.1%.

Is Fort Washington, PA affordable?

Fort Washington is above average in cost of living, with an index of 172 — about 72% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Fort Washington?

Fort Washington has average high temperatures of 63.0°F and average lows of 45.0°F. Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Fort Washington at a Glance

Population
6,105
Median Income
$159,302
Home Value
$561,000
Median Rent
$2,031/mo
Unemployment
4.7%
Avg High Temp
63.0°F
Sales Tax
6.3%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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