Cost of Living in Shoreline, WA
Population 59,280 · Washington · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing in Shoreline sits 149% above the national median — $759,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $113,336 (52% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros.
Shoreline sits roughly 10 miles north of Seattle — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 17% lower than Seattle's $912,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Shoreline
The median home value in Shoreline is $759,400 — 149% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,938/month, 47% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $113,336/year is 52% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.4%, 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 60.8°F and lows of 45.7°F, with about 3.8" of annual snowfall. Overall, Shoreline has a cost of living index of 208 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 108% 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 | 47 | 50 | 54 | 59 | 65 | 70 | 77 | 77 | 71 | 61 | 52 | 47 |
| Low °F | 37 | 37 | 39 | 43 | 48 | 53 | 57 | 57 | 53 | 47 | 41 | 37 |
| Precip" | 5.14 | 3.54 | 3.86 | 2.98 | 2.16 | 1.57 | 0.78 | 1.00 | 1.74 | 3.65 | 5.85 | 5.55 |
| Snow" | 0.9 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 1.7 |
💨 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 Shoreline, WA?
Shoreline has a cost index of 208 (100 = national average). It is 108% above the national average.
What is average rent in Shoreline, WA?
The median gross rent in Shoreline is $1,938 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Shoreline?
The median home value in Shoreline is $759,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Shoreline?
The median household income in Shoreline is $113,336 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Shoreline, WA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Shoreline is 9.2%. Washington has no state income tax.
Is Shoreline, WA affordable?
Shoreline is above average in cost of living, with an index of 208 — about 108% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Shoreline?
Shoreline has average high temperatures of 60.8°F and average lows of 45.7°F. Annual precipitation is 37.8". Average annual snowfall is 3.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Shoreline at a Glance
- Population
- 59,280
- Median Income
- $113,336
- Home Value
- $759,400
- Median Rent
- $1,938/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.4%
- Avg High Temp
- 60.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.2%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
Washington Rankings
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