Cost of Living in Big Lake, WA

With a cost of living index of 150, Big Lake, WA is one of the most expensive cities in the United States. Living here is 50% more expensive than the national average and 31% above the Washington state average of 119. Big Lake is a small community of 2,648 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Big Lake's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,932 (46% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $659,800 (116% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 5.5x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in Big Lake is $119,000, which is 58% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 19% 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 more than offset the higher cost of living.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Big Lake. 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.