Cost of Living in Rock Island, WA

With a cost of living index of 90, Rock Island, WA is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 10% cheaper than the national average and 29% below the Washington state average of 119. Rock Island is a small community of 1,142 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Rock Island's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,094 (17% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $255,500 (16% below 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 Rock Island is $55,114, which is 27% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 24% 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 Rock Island. The area sees an average annual temperature of 51.2°F, with summers averaging 72°F and winters around 31°F. Annual rainfall totals 7.8 inches spread over roughly 70 days.

Everyday prices in the Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, 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.