Cost of Living in Castle Rock, WA

With a cost of living index of 100, Castle Rock, WA is right around the national average in cost. Living here is 0% cheaper than the national average and 20% below the Washington state average of 119. Castle Rock is a small community of 2,298 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Castle Rock's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,326 (1% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $301,000 (1% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 4.6x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in Castle Rock is $65,272, which is 13% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 24% 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 Castle Rock. The area sees an average annual temperature of 53°F, with summers averaging 66°F and winters around 41°F. Annual rainfall totals 42.3 inches spread over roughly 166 days.

Everyday prices in the Longview-Kelso, 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.