Cost of Living in Birch Bay, WA

With a cost of living index of 109, Birch Bay, WA is somewhat more expensive than average. Living here is 9% more expensive than the national average and 10% below the Washington state average of 119. Birch Bay is a smaller community of 11,103 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Birch Bay's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,201 (9% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $439,100 (44% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 5.7x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in Birch Bay is $77,120, which is 3% 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.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Birch Bay. The area sees an average annual temperature of 51.2°F, with summers averaging 63°F and winters around 41°F. Annual rainfall totals 34.7 inches spread over roughly 169 days.

Everyday prices in the Bellingham, 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.