Cost of Living in Ocean Shores, WA
Population 7,076 · Washington · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Ocean Shores skews considerably older than the national median, with an average age of 64. Reported household income of $62,750 often reflects pension and investment income rather than wages, which makes the local tax picture — especially property tax treatment — a larger factor than in working-age cities.
Ocean Shores lies roughly 80 miles west of the nearest major metro, Tacoma — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 17% lower than Tacoma's $455,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Ocean Shores
The median home value in Ocean Shores is $378,000 — 24% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,177/month, 10% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $62,750/year is 16% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.6%, 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 57.4°F and lows of 44.7°F. Overall, Ocean Shores has a cost of living index of 110 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 10% more expensive.
Ocean Shores has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 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 | 48 | 50 | 52 | 56 | 60 | 63 | 67 | 68 | 67 | 60 | 52 | 47 |
| Low °F | 38 | 38 | 39 | 42 | 47 | 51 | 54 | 54 | 51 | 46 | 40 | 37 |
| Precip" | 10.91 | 6.65 | 7.74 | 5.35 | 2.99 | 2.01 | 0.85 | 1.35 | 2.53 | 6.91 | 10.95 | 10.52 |
💨 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 Ocean Shores, WA?
Ocean Shores has a cost index of 110 (100 = national average). It is 10% above the national average.
What is average rent in Ocean Shores, WA?
The median gross rent in Ocean Shores is $1,177 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Ocean Shores?
The median home value in Ocean Shores is $378,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Ocean Shores?
The median household income in Ocean Shores is $62,750 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Ocean Shores, WA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Ocean Shores is 9.2%. Washington has no state income tax.
Is Ocean Shores, WA affordable?
Ocean Shores is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 110 (100 = US average).
What is the weather like in Ocean Shores?
Ocean Shores has average high temperatures of 57.4°F and average lows of 44.7°F. Annual precipitation is 68.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Ocean Shores at a Glance
- Population
- 7,076
- Median Income
- $62,750
- Home Value
- $378,000
- Median Rent
- $1,177/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.6%
- Avg High Temp
- 57.4°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.2%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Washington Rankings
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