Cost of Living in Chain Lake, WA

Population 4,989 · Washington · Data vintage 2023

216
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Home prices in Chain Lake run well above the national baseline, with a median of $830,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $148,932 place the city among the better-paid Washington metros.

Chain Lake sits roughly 10 miles east of Everett — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 56% higher than Everett's $532,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 272
Rent 132

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

About the Cost of Living in Chain Lake

The median home value in Chain Lake is $830,200 — 172% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,728/month, 32% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $148,932/year is 100% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.9%, 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 57.9°F and lows of 44.9°F. Overall, Chain Lake has a cost of living index of 216 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 116% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$830,200
172% above avg
Median Rent
$1,728/mo
32% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
40.0x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
1.0%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$963
1 BR
$1,018
2 BR
$1,317
3 BR
$1,845
4 BR
$2,071
Owner-occupied 88.4%
Renter-occupied 11.6%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,728
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,342/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
39.5 min
46% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
22.9%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
70.0%
Carpooled
4.5%
Public transit
0.6%
Walked
1.9%
Work from home
22.9%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) None
Total Sales Tax 9.2%
State rate 6.5%
Avg local rate 2.7%
Property Tax 1.0%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$148,932
100% above avg
Per Capita Income
$69,150
Unemployment Rate
3.9%
19% below avg
Poverty Rate
3.6%
Labor Force Participation
68.1%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 29.9%
Graduate degree 12.7%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 44.2
Male median age 44.5
Female median age 43.6

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
57.9°F
Avg Low
44.9°F
Annual Precip
33.4"
30° 43° 55° 68° 80° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 464852566366727368585045
Low °F 373739434851555552464036
Precip" 3.892.843.632.672.111.890.840.981.683.354.974.52

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 38 — Good
67.4%
Good air days/yr
175
Max AQI recorded
365
PM2.5 days
0
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Chain Lake, WA?

Chain Lake has a cost index of 216 (100 = national average). It is 116% above the national average.

What is average rent in Chain Lake, WA?

The median gross rent in Chain Lake is $1,728 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Chain Lake?

The median home value in Chain Lake is $830,200 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Chain Lake?

The median household income in Chain Lake is $148,932 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Chain Lake, WA?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Chain Lake is 9.2%. Washington has no state income tax.

Is Chain Lake, WA affordable?

Chain Lake is above average in cost of living, with an index of 216 — about 116% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Chain Lake?

Chain Lake has average high temperatures of 57.9°F and average lows of 44.9°F. Annual precipitation is 33.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Chain Lake at a Glance

Population
4,989
Median Income
$148,932
Home Value
$830,200
Median Rent
$1,728/mo
Unemployment
3.9%
Avg High Temp
57.9°F
Sales Tax
9.2%
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🗺️ County data for Washington

Explore county-level cost of living data

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