F
51%
Overall NAT. AVG.
6%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
148%
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 Vashon Washington National
Cost of living151119100
Groceries106107100
Health care107109100
Housing248138100
Transportation114112100
Utilities109110100
Lifestyle & Entertainment109112100
Household Items107107100
Education & Childcare121117100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Vashon, WA

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Vashon? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Vashon stands at 151, making it 51% higher than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

If you value affordability in your search for a new place to live, Vashon may not be the most suitable option, as it stands out as one of the priciest areas in the entire United States. Only a small fraction of regions have a cost of living that is more than 20% higher than the national average, and regrettably, Vashon falls into this category, which may not align with your desire for an affordable place to call home.

Housing costs are a very significant part of the Vashon cost of living index and generally encompass a large percentage of take-home income. Unfortunately, in this area, the housing costs for both homes and rentals were 147.8% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, mortgage rates and insurance.

Is Vashon Affordable?

Is Vashon affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Vashon, the median home price is 200.5% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 24.8% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Vashon boasting a median household income of $116,843, 43.7% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Vashon?

Subsidies: Some cities and states may extend government subsidies or aid programs aimed at reducing the cost of living for their residents. These initiatives encompass diverse forms of support, including Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farm subsidies. Regions with limited subsidy provisions may witness an increase in their overall cost of living.

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can fluctuate greatly based on the city or state. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor\’s visits, dentist costs, medication costs and specialized care costs can all impact the cost of living. In Vashon, the healthcare costs are 6.5% higher than the national average.

Groceries: Grocery expenditures have undergone notable escalation over the last 2-3 years. In some markets, the cost of food products has surged by more than 20%, while others have experienced only modest increments. These fluctuations in food costs can have a significant impact on the overall cost of living in any region. In Vashon, the groceries index registers 6% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Vashon are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Vashon is 28% higher than the Washington average
  • The cost of living in Vashon is 51% higher than the national average
  • Vashon housing is 148% 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 Vashon

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Compare Vashon, 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$148,028$12,336$3,454$4,441
      Renters$66,771$5,564$1,558$2,003
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Vashon, WA, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Vashon, the median monthly income is $148,028 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $3,454 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $66,771, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $1,558 on monthly rental expenses.

      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.
      Navy Yard City, WA3,04911010.0%
      Fairwood CDP (Spokane County), WA8,33111313.4%
      Erlands Point-Kitsap Lake, WA3,19611211.7%
      East Port Orchard, WA5,18711817.8%
      Bremerton, WA42,88011918.8%
      Vashon, WA10,61215151.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Canandaigua, NY10,6111044.4%
      Nanticoke, PA10,6078614.4%
      Hillsdale, NJ10,60515756.9%
      Sumner, WA10,60413131.2%
      Bound Brook, NJ10,62112424.2%
      Vashon, WA10,61215151.4%
      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.