Birch Bay, WA

Average · 105

Washington · Population 11,103 · Updated March 2026

$1,201
Median Rent / Month
$77,120
Median Income
$439,100
Median Home Value
$1,264
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Birch Bay

18.7%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Affordable
Rent takes less than 25% of median income — considered affordable by HUD standards.

Tax Burden in Washington

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

0%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
6.5%
Sales Tax
0.92%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$14,412
Annual Rent
$0
State Income Tax
$4,040
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Birch Bay is more expensive than the national average. Higher housing costs are typically the primary driver. With a cost index of 105 (where 100 equals the national median), Birch Bay residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,201/month while earning a median household income of $77,120/year.

The median home value in Birch Bay, WA is $439,100, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,264 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 18.7% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.

Washington has no state income tax, which can represent significant savings compared to high-tax states. Combined with a 6.5% sales tax rate and 0.92% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment helps keep costs manageable in Birch Bay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Birch Bay

What is the cost of living in Birch Bay, WA?
The cost of living index in Birch Bay, WA is 105 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,201, median household income is $77,120/year, and the median home value is $439,100.
Is Birch Bay, WA affordable?
No, Birch Bay is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 105. The rent-to-income ratio is 18.7%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Birch Bay, WA?
The median gross rent in Birch Bay, WA is $1,201 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $14,412.
What is the median household income in Birch Bay?
The median household income in Birch Bay, WA is $77,120 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in Washington?
Washington has a top income tax rate of 0%, a sales tax of 6.5%, and an effective property tax rate of 0.92%. Notably, there is no state income tax.