Cost of Living in Anacortes, WA
Population 17,837 · Washington · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Home prices in Anacortes run well above the national baseline, with a median of $648,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $89,788 place the city among the better-paid Washington metros.
Geographically, Anacortes is about 40 miles northwest of Everett, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 22% higher than Everett's $532,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Anacortes
The median home value in Anacortes is $647,700 — 112% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,609/month, 22% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $89,788/year is 20% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.8%, below the national average of 4.8%. Washington charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 59.1°F and lows of 45.1°F, with about 5.4" of annual snowfall. Overall, Anacortes has a cost of living index of 176 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 76% more expensive.
🏠 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 | 49 | 51 | 55 | 58 | 62 | 66 | 69 | 70 | 67 | 60 | 54 | 49 |
| Low °F | 38 | 37 | 40 | 43 | 48 | 52 | 54 | 54 | 50 | 46 | 41 | 38 |
| Precip" | 2.43 | 1.63 | 1.68 | 1.69 | 1.69 | 1.12 | 0.63 | 0.85 | 1.08 | 2.04 | 3.13 | 1.95 |
| Snow" | 1.1 | 1.0 | 0.6 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 2.4 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Anacortes, WA?
Anacortes has a cost index of 176 (100 = national average). It is 76% above the national average.
What is average rent in Anacortes, WA?
The median gross rent in Anacortes is $1,609 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Anacortes?
The median home value in Anacortes is $647,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Anacortes?
The median household income in Anacortes is $89,788 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Anacortes, WA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Anacortes is 9.2%. Washington has no state income tax.
Is Anacortes, WA affordable?
Anacortes is above average in cost of living, with an index of 176 — about 76% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Anacortes?
Anacortes has average high temperatures of 59.1°F and average lows of 45.1°F. Annual precipitation is 19.9". Average annual snowfall is 5.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Anacortes at a Glance
- Population
- 17,837
- Median Income
- $89,788
- Home Value
- $647,700
- Median Rent
- $1,609/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.8%
- Avg High Temp
- 59.1°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.2%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
Washington Rankings
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