F
29%
Overall NAT. AVG.
4%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
78%
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 Washougal Washington National
Cost of living129119100
Groceries104107100
Health care108109100
Housing178138100
Transportation108112100
Utilities109110100
Lifestyle & Entertainment106112100
Household Items104107100
Education & Childcare115117100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Washougal, WA

Knowing the cost of living in Washougal allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Washougal stands at 129, marking it 29% higher than the national average.

If you prioritize affordability when seeking a new place to live, Washougal 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, Washougal falls into this category, which may not align with your preferences for a budget-friendly living environment.

Housing costs are a very significant part of the Washougal 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 78% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, mortgage rates and insurance.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Washougal?

Nobody knows their city better than the people who actually live there. So, we asked 6 local residents how they would rate the cost of living in Washougal and this is how they responded. 33% of people said that the cost of living was affordable, with prices decreasing, while 67% of people said that the cost of living was very expensive and prices continue to rise.

Is Washougal Affordable?

Is Washougal an affordable place to live? That's a valid question to ask when you're thinking about moving to a new city. After all, how much it costs to live somewhere can be a huge factor in your decision. Affordability can be broken down into 3 common categories. The cost of living index (we talked about it earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a big role in figuring out if a place is affordable. For instance, in Washougal, the median home price is 97.5% higher than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 32.5% higher than the usual rates. Income levels in Washougal come in at $133,035, which is 63.6% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Washougal?

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 Washougal, the healthcare costs are 7.9% 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.

Groceries: The costs associated with groceries have witnessed substantial increases over the past 2-3 years. In select markets, food prices have escalated by more than 20% during this timeframe, whereas others have seen more restrained upticks. The variances in food expenses can exert a considerable influence on the overall cost of living in a given locale. In Washougal, the groceries index is 4.2% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Washougal 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 Washougal is 9% higher than the Washington average
  • The cost of living in Washougal is 29% higher than the national average
  • Washougal housing is 78% 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 Washougal

See all the best places to live around Washougal

Compare Washougal, 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$142,845$11,904$3,333$4,286
      Renters$88,440$7,370$2,063$2,653
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Washougal, 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 Washougal, the median monthly income is $142,845 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $3,333 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $88,440, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $2,063 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.
      Johnson City, OR5548317.4%
      Wood Village, OR4,1821098.6%
      Walnut Grove, WA9,54611514.9%
      Hazel Dell, WA22,53212524.7%
      Battle Ground, WA21,66912525.2%
      Washougal, WA16,35112928.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Horsham, PA16,34811515.5%
      Pataskala, OH16,3471000.2%
      Mount Holly, NC16,338981.9%
      Rossville, MD16,33511515.3%
      Villa Rica, GA16,371990.8%
      Washougal, WA16,35112928.6%
      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.