Cost of Living in Vancouver, WA
Population 192,696 · Washington · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Most of Vancouver's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $78,156 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Vancouver
The median home value in Vancouver is $440,300 — 44% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,632/month, 24% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $78,156/year is 5% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.6%, 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 63.2°F and lows of 44.7°F. Overall, Vancouver has a cost of living index of 136 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 36% 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 | 51 | 56 | 61 | 68 | 74 | 81 | 82 | 76 | 64 | 53 | 47 |
| Low °F | 34 | 35 | 38 | 42 | 48 | 53 | 57 | 57 | 52 | 45 | 39 | 35 |
| Precip" | 5.34 | 3.77 | 3.95 | 2.93 | 2.51 | 1.61 | 0.42 | 0.52 | 1.43 | 3.41 | 5.51 | 6.07 |
💨 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 Vancouver, WA?
Vancouver has a cost index of 136 (100 = national average). It is 36% above the national average.
What is average rent in Vancouver, WA?
The median gross rent in Vancouver is $1,632 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Vancouver?
The median home value in Vancouver is $440,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Vancouver?
The median household income in Vancouver is $78,156 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Vancouver, WA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Vancouver is 9.2%. Washington has no state income tax.
Is Vancouver, WA affordable?
Vancouver is above average in cost of living, with an index of 136 — about 36% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Vancouver?
Vancouver has average high temperatures of 63.2°F and average lows of 44.7°F. Annual precipitation is 37.5". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Vancouver at a Glance
- Population
- 192,696
- Median Income
- $78,156
- Home Value
- $440,300
- Median Rent
- $1,632/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.6%
- Avg High Temp
- 63.2°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