Cost of Living in Metaline Falls, WA

With a cost of living index of 82, Metaline Falls, WA is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 18% cheaper than the national average and 37% below the Washington state average of 119. Metaline Falls is a small community of 288 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Metaline Falls's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $673 (49% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $291,700 (4% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 7.3x the median household income — a challenging ratio that puts homeownership out of reach for many residents.

The median household income in Metaline Falls is $40,179, which is 47% lower 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. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Metaline Falls. The area sees an average annual temperature of 45.6°F, with summers averaging 63°F and winters around 28°F. Annual rainfall totals 22.5 inches spread over roughly 124 days. Cold winters mean higher heating bills, an important cost-of-living consideration.

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.