Cost of Living in Carnation, WA

With a cost of living index of 159, Carnation, WA is one of the most expensive cities in the United States. Living here is 59% more expensive than the national average and 39% above the Washington state average of 119. Carnation is a small community of 2,476 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Carnation's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,831 (39% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $775,800 (154% 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 Carnation is $141,097, which is 88% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 16% 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 Carnation. The area sees an average annual temperature of 53.2°F, with summers averaging 65°F and winters around 43°F. Annual rainfall totals 37.8 inches spread over roughly 163 days.

Everyday prices in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, 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.