Ferndale, WA

Above Avg · 127

Washington · Population 15,447 · Updated March 2026

$1,461
Median Rent / Month
$83,839
Median Income
$492,400
Median Home Value
$1,790
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Ferndale

20.9%
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

$17,532
Annual Rent
$0
State Income Tax
$4,530
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Ferndale has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 127 (where 100 equals the national median), Ferndale residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,461/month while earning a median household income of $83,839/year.

The median home value in Ferndale, WA is $492,400, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,790 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 20.9% 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 Ferndale.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Ferndale

What is the cost of living in Ferndale, WA?
The cost of living index in Ferndale, WA is 127 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,461, median household income is $83,839/year, and the median home value is $492,400.
Is Ferndale, WA affordable?
No, Ferndale is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 127. The rent-to-income ratio is 20.9%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Ferndale, WA?
The median gross rent in Ferndale, WA is $1,461 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $17,532.
What is the median household income in Ferndale?
The median household income in Ferndale, WA is $83,839 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.