Port Townsend, WA

Average · 108

Washington · Population 10,290 · Updated March 2026

$1,151
Median Rent / Month
$60,015
Median Income
$502,500
Median Home Value
$1,099
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Port Townsend

23.0%
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

$13,812
Annual Rent
$0
State Income Tax
$4,623
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Port Townsend is more expensive than the national average. Higher housing costs are typically the primary driver. With a cost index of 108 (where 100 equals the national median), Port Townsend residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,151/month while earning a median household income of $60,015/year.

The median home value in Port Townsend, WA is $502,500, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,099 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 23.0% 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 Port Townsend.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Port Townsend

What is the cost of living in Port Townsend, WA?
The cost of living index in Port Townsend, WA is 108 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,151, median household income is $60,015/year, and the median home value is $502,500.
Is Port Townsend, WA affordable?
No, Port Townsend is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 108. The rent-to-income ratio is 23.0%—below the 30% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Port Townsend, WA?
The median gross rent in Port Townsend, WA is $1,151 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $13,812.
What is the median household income in Port Townsend?
The median household income in Port Townsend, WA is $60,015 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.