| Index | Vashon | Washington | National |
| Cost of living | 151 | 119 | 100 |
| Groceries | 106 | 107 | 100 |
| Health care | 107 | 109 | 100 |
| Housing | 248 | 138 | 100 |
| Transportation | 114 | 112 | 100 |
| Utilities | 109 | 110 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 109 | 112 | 100 |
| Household Items | 107 | 107 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 121 | 117 | 100 |

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? 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.
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.
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.
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| 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 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| Washington | 6.5% | 10.4% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| Washington | 0% | 0% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Navy Yard City, WA | 3,049 | 110 | 10.0% |
| Fairwood CDP (Spokane County), WA | 8,331 | 113 | 13.4% |
| Erlands Point-Kitsap Lake, WA | 3,196 | 112 | 11.7% |
| East Port Orchard, WA | 5,187 | 118 | 17.8% |
| Bremerton, WA | 42,880 | 119 | 18.8% |
| Vashon, WA | 10,612 | 151 | 51.4% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Canandaigua, NY | 10,611 | 104 | 4.4% |
| Nanticoke, PA | 10,607 | 86 | 14.4% |
| Hillsdale, NJ | 10,605 | 157 | 56.9% |
| Sumner, WA | 10,604 | 131 | 31.2% |
| Bound Brook, NJ | 10,621 | 124 | 24.2% |
| Vashon, WA | 10,612 | 151 | 51.4% |