Cost of Living in Darrington, WA

With a cost of living index of 97, Darrington, WA is slightly more affordable than average. Living here is 3% cheaper than the national average and 22% below the Washington state average of 119. Darrington is a small community of 1,397 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Darrington's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $898 (32% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $373,300 (22% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 5.8x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in Darrington is $64,438, which is 14% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 17% 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 Darrington. The area sees an average annual temperature of 49.8°F, with summers averaging 63°F and winters around 38°F. Annual rainfall totals 83 inches spread over roughly 192 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.