Cost of Living in La Center, WA

With a cost of living index of 141, La Center, WA is one of the most expensive cities in the United States. Living here is 41% more expensive than the national average and 22% above the Washington state average of 119. La Center is a small community of 3,885 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in La Center's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,947 (48% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $549,900 (80% above 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 La Center is $118,629, which is 58% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 20% 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 La Center. 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 Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-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.