Cost of Living in Orchards, WA

With a cost of living index of 124, Orchards, WA is a notably expensive place to live. Living here is 24% more expensive than the national average and 5% above the Washington state average of 119. With a population of 29,716, Orchards is a mid-sized community that balances access to services with a more manageable cost of living compared to larger metros.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Orchards's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,685 (28% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $437,100 (43% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 4.5x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Orchards is $96,893, which is 29% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 21% 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 Orchards. The area sees an average annual temperature of 55.1°F, with summers averaging 68°F and winters around 43°F. Annual rainfall totals 36.9 inches spread over roughly 157 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.