Cost of Living in Oak Harbor, WA
Population 24,396 · Washington · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Oak Harbor is a smaller Washington community of around 24000 residents, where median household incomes of $72,041 and housing costs ($422,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.2% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Oak Harbor is about 30 miles northwest of Everett, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 21% lower than Everett's $532,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Oak Harbor
The median home value in Oak Harbor is $421,700 — 38% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,629/month, 24% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $72,041/year is 3% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.2%, 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 59.1°F and lows of 45.1°F, with about 5.4" of annual snowfall. Overall, Oak Harbor has a cost of living index of 133 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 33% 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 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Oak Harbor, WA?
Oak Harbor has a cost index of 133 (100 = national average). It is 33% above the national average.
What is average rent in Oak Harbor, WA?
The median gross rent in Oak Harbor is $1,629 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Oak Harbor?
The median home value in Oak Harbor is $421,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Oak Harbor?
The median household income in Oak Harbor is $72,041 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Oak Harbor, WA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Oak Harbor is 9.2%. Washington has no state income tax.
Is Oak Harbor, WA affordable?
Oak Harbor is above average in cost of living, with an index of 133 — about 33% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Oak Harbor?
Oak Harbor 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.
Oak Harbor at a Glance
- Population
- 24,396
- Median Income
- $72,041
- Home Value
- $421,700
- Median Rent
- $1,629/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.2%
- Avg High Temp
- 59.1°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