Black Diamond, WA vs Washougal, WA

The cost of living difference between Black Diamond, WA and Washougal, WA is dramatic. Washougal is 38.2% cheaper than Black Diamond, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Black Diamond has a cost index of 174 while Washougal sits at 126, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Black Diamond is $2,340/month compared to $1,592/month in Washougal — a 47% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Washougal is more affordable at $492,100 median vs $776,400.

Median household income in Black Diamond is $144,728 compared to $100,916 in Washougal (+43.4%). While Black Diamond is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Black Diamond spend roughly 19.4% of their income on rent, more than the 18.9% in Washougal.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (53.6°F vs 54.7°F). Washougal receives more rainfall at 40.7" per year compared to 34.7" in Black Diamond.