Cost of Living in Port Orchard, WA

With a cost of living index of 131, Port Orchard, WA is a notably expensive place to live. Living here is 31% more expensive than the national average and 12% above the Washington state average of 119. Port Orchard is a smaller community of 16,398 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Port Orchard's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,760 (33% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $492,000 (61% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 6x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in Port Orchard is $81,472, which is 8% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 26% of household income on rent. This is near the 30% threshold that financial experts generally consider the upper limit of affordability.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Port Orchard. The area sees an average annual temperature of 53.8°F, with summers averaging 66°F and winters around 43°F. Annual rainfall totals 36.5 inches spread over roughly 154 days.

Everyday prices in the Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, 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.