Cost of Living in Newcastle, WA

Population 12,945 · Washington · Data vintage 2023

292
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Housing in Newcastle sits 270% above the national median — $1.1 million for the typical home — but median household incomes near $162,646 (118% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros.

Newcastle is part of the immediate Renton metro area — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 79% higher than Renton's $631,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 370
Rent 176

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

About the Cost of Living in Newcastle

The median home value in Newcastle is $1,128,200 — 270% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,314/month, 76% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $162,646/year is 118% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.1%, above the national average of 4.8%. Washington charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 61.4°F and lows of 45.9°F. Overall, Newcastle has a cost of living index of 292 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 192% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$1,128,200
270% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$1,397,714
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$2,314/mo
76% above avg
Zillow Rent
$2,396/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
40.6x
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 63.6%
Renter-occupied 36.4%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$2,314
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,928/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
30.3 min
12% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
26.8%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
61.4%
Carpooled
5.0%
Public transit
2.6%
Walked
1.8%
Bicycle
1.5%
Work from home
26.8%

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
$162,646
118% above avg
Per Capita Income
$93,095
Unemployment Rate
5.1%
6% above avg
Poverty Rate
3.1%
Labor Force Participation
66.5%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 38.9%
Graduate degree 32.3%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 37.4
Male median age 36.2
Female median age 39.1

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
61.4°F
Avg Low
45.9°F
Annual Precip
34.7"
30° 43° 55° 68° 80° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 485055606671777872615247
Low °F 373740434954585753464037
Precip" 4.933.213.742.831.861.470.600.891.533.495.614.53

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 46 — Good
58.6%
Good air days/yr
165
Max AQI recorded
273
PM2.5 days
86
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Newcastle, WA?

Newcastle has a cost index of 292 (100 = national average). It is 192% above the national average.

What is average rent in Newcastle, WA?

The median gross rent in Newcastle is $2,314 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Newcastle?

The median home value in Newcastle is $1,128,200 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Newcastle?

The median household income in Newcastle is $162,646 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Newcastle, WA?

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

Is Newcastle, WA affordable?

Newcastle is above average in cost of living, with an index of 292 — about 192% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Newcastle?

Newcastle has average high temperatures of 61.4°F and average lows of 45.9°F. Annual precipitation is 34.7". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Newcastle at a Glance

Population
12,945
Median Income
$162,646
Home Value
$1,128,200
Median Rent
$2,314/mo
Unemployment
5.1%
Avg High Temp
61.4°F
Sales Tax
9.2%
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🗺️ County data for Washington

Explore county-level cost of living data

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