F
31%
Overall NAT. AVG.
8%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
82%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Port Orchard Washington National
Cost of living131119100
Groceries108107100
Health care109109100
Housing182138100
Transportation111112100
Utilities108110100
Lifestyle & Entertainment109112100
Household Items105107100
Education & Childcare114117100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Port Orchard, WA

The cost of living in Port Orchard affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Port Orchard is 131, which is 31% higher than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

If you prioritize affordability when seeking a new place to live, Port Orchard may not be your ideal choice, as it ranks among the most expensive locations in the entire United States. A very small amount of areas exhibit a cost of living at least 20% higher than the national average, and unfortunately, Port Orchard falls into this category, which may not align with your preferences for a budget-friendly living environment.

When it comes to the cost of living in Port Orchard, housing costs are a real heavyweight, often hogging a significant chunk of your earnings. Sadly, in this area, housing expenses for both buying and renting were 82.4% more expensive compared to your average city. That means you'll be shelling out more for homes, rents, mortgage rates and insurance.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Port Orchard?

Locals have the inside scoop on their city. So, we polled 9 residents in Port Orchard to learn how they view the cost of living. We asked how they felt about the cost of living in their area, and if they thought that prices were increasing, decreasing or staying the same. The verdict? 22% find it reasonable with decreasing prices, but 78% think it's quite pricey, with prices that continue to rise.

Is Port Orchard Affordable?

Is Port Orchard an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Port Orchard is 101.1% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 38.6% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Port Orchard has a median household income of $108,174, which is 33% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Port Orchard?

Taxes: Areas with higher taxes, including sales taxes and income taxes, can contribute to a higher cost of living. Paying more tax for everyday household expenses like clothing and food will result in higher costs, as will paying a higher rate of income tax. The general sales tax rate in Port Orchard starts at 6.5% and the income tax rates start at 0%.

Utilities: Like everything else, utilities costs can range significantly depending on factors like climate, energy sources available, location and even state regulations. Things like electricity, water, heating and waste disposal costs can be higher or lower, depending on the city or state. The utilities index in Port Orchard comes in at 7.5% higher than the national average.

Healthcare: Healthcare expenses and insurance premiums can vary significantly depending on the specific city or state. Factors such as accessibility to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's visits, dental care expenses, prescription costs and specialized medical care fees can all influence the overall cost of living. In Port Orchard, healthcare costs are 8.9% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Port Orchard cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Port Orchard is 11% higher than the Washington average
  • The cost of living in Port Orchard is 31% higher than the national average
  • Port Orchard housing is 82% higher than the national average
  • Washington general sales tax is 27% higher than the national average
  • Washington state income tax is 100% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Port Orchard

See all the best places to live around Port Orchard

Compare Port Orchard, WA Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$146,900$12,242$3,427$4,407
      Renters$67,877$5,656$1,584$2,037
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Port Orchard is by simply calculating the maximum that should be spent on housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The plan is to avoid spending more than 28 percent of the gross income on costs that pertain to housing and no more than 36 percent on all expenses and debts. Port Orchard has a median income of about $146,900 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $3,427 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $67,877. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $1,584 on all rental costs if they want to maintain a non-impoverished standard of living.

      Washington Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Washington 6.5% 10.4%

      Washington Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Washington 0% 0%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Belfair, WA4,6591087.9%
      Navy Yard City, WA3,04911010.0%
      Erlands Point-Kitsap Lake, WA3,19611211.7%
      East Port Orchard, WA5,18711817.8%
      Bremerton, WA42,88011918.8%
      Port Orchard, WA14,71513131.1%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Hopatcong, NJ14,71112322.7%
      Hockessin, DE14,70814141.5%
      Princeton Meadows, NJ14,70815353.1%
      West Nipissing / Nipissing Ouest, ON14,724n/a 
      Falls Church, VA14,73618685.5%
      Port Orchard, WA14,71513131.1%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.