Cost of Living in Port Townsend, WA

With a cost of living index of 114, Port Townsend, WA is somewhat more expensive than average. Living here is 14% more expensive than the national average and 6% below the Washington state average of 119. Port Townsend is a smaller community of 10,290 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Port Townsend's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,151 (13% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $502,500 (65% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 8.4x the median household income — a challenging ratio that puts homeownership out of reach for many residents.

The median household income in Port Townsend is $60,015, which is 20% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 23% 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 Port Townsend. The area sees an average annual temperature of 52.1°F, with summers averaging 61°F and winters around 44°F. Annual rainfall totals 19.9 inches spread over roughly 148 days.

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.