Cost of Living in Port Townsend, WA
Population 10,290 · Washington · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
The median resident in Port Townsend is 59 years old, well past the national midpoint, giving the city the retail and service mix of a retirement-dominant market. Household-income figures here read differently than in working-age cities: retirement and investment income weigh heavily in the totals. At 12.8%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Port Townsend is about 30 miles west of Everett, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Housing prices track closely with Everett's $532,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Port Townsend
The median home value in Port Townsend is $502,500 — 65% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,151/month, 12% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $60,015/year is 20% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 12.8%, 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, Port Townsend has a cost of living index of 134 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 34% 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 |
💨 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 Port Townsend, WA?
Port Townsend has a cost index of 134 (100 = national average). It is 34% above the national average.
What is average rent in Port Townsend, WA?
The median gross rent in Port Townsend is $1,151 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Port Townsend?
The median home value in Port Townsend is $502,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Port Townsend?
The median household income in Port Townsend is $60,015 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Port Townsend, WA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Port Townsend is 9.2%. Washington has no state income tax.
Is Port Townsend, WA affordable?
Port Townsend is above average in cost of living, with an index of 134 — about 34% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Port Townsend?
Port Townsend 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.
Port Townsend at a Glance
- Population
- 10,290
- Median Income
- $60,015
- Home Value
- $502,500
- Median Rent
- $1,151/mo
- Unemployment
- 12.8%
- Avg High Temp
- 59.1°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.2%
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Washington Rankings
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