Cost of Living in Anacortes, WA

With a cost of living index of 139, Anacortes, WA is a notably expensive place to live. Living here is 39% more expensive than the national average and 20% above the Washington state average of 119. Anacortes is a smaller community of 17,837 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Anacortes's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,609 (22% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $647,700 (112% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 7.2x the median household income — a challenging ratio that puts homeownership out of reach for many residents.

The median household income in Anacortes is $89,788, which is 19% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 22% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. While incomes are above average, they do not fully offset the higher cost of living.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Anacortes. The area sees an average annual temperature of 52.1°F, with summers averaging 61°F and winters around 44°F. Annual rainfall totals 19.9 inches spread over roughly 148 days.

Everyday prices in the Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area tend to run above the national average. Out of 6 common grocery and utility items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 5 are priced higher than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.