Cost of Living in Gig Harbor, WA
Population 12,202 · Washington · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Home prices in Gig Harbor run well above the national baseline, with a median of $686,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $106,042 place the city among the better-paid Washington metros. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.6% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Located 9 miles northwest of Tacoma, Gig Harbor falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 51% higher than Tacoma's $455,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Gig Harbor
The median home value in Gig Harbor is $686,000 — 125% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,097/month, 60% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $106,042/year is 42% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.6%, 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 59.6°F and lows of 44.3°F. Overall, Gig Harbor has a cost of living index of 199 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 99% 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 | 46 | 48 | 53 | 58 | 65 | 70 | 76 | 76 | 70 | 59 | 51 | 46 |
| Low °F | 36 | 37 | 39 | 41 | 47 | 51 | 54 | 54 | 51 | 46 | 40 | 36 |
| Precip" | 6.06 | 4.11 | 4.63 | 3.39 | 2.08 | 1.36 | 0.68 | 0.86 | 1.54 | 4.32 | 7.18 | 5.81 |
💨 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 Gig Harbor, WA?
Gig Harbor has a cost index of 199 (100 = national average). It is 99% above the national average.
What is average rent in Gig Harbor, WA?
The median gross rent in Gig Harbor is $2,097 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Gig Harbor?
The median home value in Gig Harbor is $686,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Gig Harbor?
The median household income in Gig Harbor is $106,042 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Gig Harbor, WA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Gig Harbor is 9.2%. Washington has no state income tax.
Is Gig Harbor, WA affordable?
Gig Harbor is above average in cost of living, with an index of 199 — about 99% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Gig Harbor?
Gig Harbor has average high temperatures of 59.6°F and average lows of 44.3°F. Annual precipitation is 42". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Gig Harbor at a Glance
- Population
- 12,202
- Median Income
- $106,042
- Home Value
- $686,000
- Median Rent
- $2,097/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.6%
- Avg High Temp
- 59.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.2%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Washington Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs