Cost of Living in Wauna, WA

Population 4,831 · Washington · Data vintage 2023

140
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Wauna sits on the smaller end of the Washington city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible.

Wauna sits roughly 13 miles northwest of Tacoma — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Housing prices track closely with Tacoma's $455,000 median.

Cost Overview

Housing 152
Rent 121

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Wauna

The median home value in Wauna is $464,000 — 52% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,589/month, 21% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $108,000/year is 45% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.8%, 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 59.6°F and lows of 44.3°F. Overall, Wauna has a cost of living index of 140 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 40% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$464,000
52% above avg
Median Rent
$1,589/mo
21% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
24.3x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
1.0%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$963
1 BR
$1,018
2 BR
$1,317
3 BR
$1,845
4 BR
$2,071
Owner-occupied 85.2%
Renter-occupied 14.8%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,589
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,203/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
34.8 min
29% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
13.6%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
75.4%
Carpooled
8.3%
Public transit
1.3%
Walked
0.9%
Bicycle
0.5%
Work from home
13.6%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) None
Total Sales Tax 9.2%
State rate 6.5%
Avg local rate 2.7%
Property Tax 1.0%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$108,000
45% above avg
Per Capita Income
$46,837
Unemployment Rate
3.8%
21% below avg
Poverty Rate
6.4%
Labor Force Participation
62.7%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 20.4%
Graduate degree 10.4%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 44.4
Male median age 42.4
Female median age 49.9

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
59.6°F
Avg Low
44.3°F
Annual Precip
42"
30° 43° 55° 68° 80° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 464853586570767670595146
Low °F 363739414751545451464036
Precip" 6.064.114.633.392.081.360.680.861.544.327.185.81

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 42 — Good
74.8%
Good air days/yr
195
Max AQI recorded
150
PM2.5 days
213
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Wauna, WA?

Wauna has a cost index of 140 (100 = national average). It is 40% above the national average.

What is average rent in Wauna, WA?

The median gross rent in Wauna is $1,589 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Wauna?

The median home value in Wauna is $464,000 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Wauna?

The median household income in Wauna is $108,000 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Wauna, WA?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Wauna is 9.2%. Washington has no state income tax.

Is Wauna, WA affordable?

Wauna is above average in cost of living, with an index of 140 — about 40% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Wauna?

Wauna has average high temperatures of 59.6°F and average lows of 44.3°F. Annual precipitation is 42". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Wauna at a Glance

Population
4,831
Median Income
$108,000
Home Value
$464,000
Median Rent
$1,589/mo
Unemployment
3.8%
Avg High Temp
59.6°F
Sales Tax
9.2%
View all cities in Washington →
🗺️ County data for Washington

Explore county-level cost of living data

Similar Cost Cities

Cities in other states with comparable housing costs