Cost of Living in Washington State for Gig Harbor Buyers

In Summary:

• The cost of living in Washington State is above the national average, driven largely by higher housing costs.
• Gig Harbor is more expensive than many inland cities but remains more affordable than several Seattle-area hotspots.
• Factoring in housing, transportation, taxes, and work flexibility helps buyers decide whether living in Washington State aligns with their long-term financial goals.

The overall cost of living in Washington State is above the national average, driven mainly by slightly higher housing costs in the more populous urban areas. However, Gig Harbor may be less expensive to start living in than many other areas in the state. For example, it doesn’t appear in some of the “30 most expensive places” lists for Washington, according to content platform Stacker.

If you’re looking for somewhere to live in the area, you'll need as much information as possible about not only Gig Harbor itself but also the broader Washington area. 

Below, you will find local insights the Paige Schulte’s team to help you understand what to expect regarding house prices, lifestyle choices, and other outgoings. Discover how to ensure living in Washington state supports your long-term financial plans.

What Is the Average Cost of Living in Washington State?

While the United States does not release a single, state-level “cost-of-living in dollars” dataset, it does provide comparisons through Regional Price Parities (RPPs), which other websites then extrapolate from. For example, Yahoo recently ranked all 50 states by cost of living, with Washington ranked the 5th most expensive. However, the records cluster around 100%, and living in Washington costs a little over 108% of the national average.

Their listing explicitly states that higher housing costs were the primary reason and that Washington’s are over 25% higher than the national average.

In terms of raw numbers, these details are more challenging to source. Buddyloans, for example, lists the cost at $65,100 per year for a family of four or nearly $18,000 for a single person living alone. However, their calculations are not public, making it harder to determine how they arrived at those numbers.

Housing Costs

Washington’s median home value remains high by US standards. The US Census reported in 2024 that the median was just over $600,000. Meanwhile, the World Population Review reported that in March 2025, the median list price of homes was floating around $630,000, suggesting a relatively high-priced market compared to national standards. 

RANK	STATE	MEDIAN VALUE
1	Hawaii	$875,900
2	California	$759,500
3	District of Columbia	$733,400
4	Massachusetts	$607,400
5	Washington	$602,200
…	…	…
49	Arkansas	$215,600
50	Mississippi	$186,500
51	West Virginia	$170,800

(Source: US Census data)

With a median home value more than three times the lowest in any US state, buying a property in Washington is a significant decision. As household costs account for a considerable share of expenses, Washington state’s cost of living is significantly higher, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, and its other outgoings, such as food and childcare, bring the total closer to the average. 

Other Costs

With housing only one part of the larger whole, the full range of other major Washington costs includes:

• Transportation

• Food

• Children

• Healthcare

• Utilities

Taxes are also significant, but they can vary by location for various reasons. The state does not levy a personal income tax, for example, whereas other parts of the U.S. do. Also, many of these data points vary significantly by the spender’s age, usage, and home location. 

How the Washington Cost of Living Affects Lifestyle Choice

To afford the average Washington lifestyle, one typically needs a higher-than-typical income to offset the challenges the greater outgoing provides. For first-time buyers, this can be particularly challenging. Instead, dual-income households may find Washington’s cost of living more manageable.

Transportation can also significantly impact one’s cost of living and quality of life. However, with the IRS reporting a 2025 reimbursement rate of $0.70 per mile in the United States, such benefits can quickly add up if you drive a lot. 

If someone works remotely or in a hybrid arrangement, their buying power is often further boosted by being able to live in a more affordable location. 

Gig Harbor: A Washington Cost of Living Comparison

As part of Pierce County, Gig Harbor benefits from being in a boardly prosperous area. Many of its numbers skew higher than average, according to the US census, including:

• Homeownership

• Income levels

• Rent levels

• Commute times

• 65+ resident percentage

These are a mix of positives and negatives, with some depending on which side of the demographic you sit.

Compared with Other Washington Cities

While Gig Harbor homes have a median value of over $790,000, according to ATTOM Data Solutions, you would be forgiven for thinking all homes around there were that expensive. The truth, however, is that many areas sell for significantly more.

According to KIRO 7, Seattle, a few examples of other locations the state has to offer include:

Kirkland: $1,224,152

Redmond: $1,352,213

Bellevue: $1,456,569

Mercer Island: $2,254,218

Hunts Point: $8,256,826

As such, it may be worth considering Gig Harbor, with significant benefits such as its waterfront and strong local community. It may come with a premium cost, but you get:

• Scenic harbor views

• Dozens of local highlights to be proud of, including local art showcases

• Relative proximity to Seattle via the local highway

• An outdoor lifestyle with many water-based sports clubs

• Walkable countryside

• Significantly low poverty levels

The area is a picturesque example of what life could be if you wanted a calm, waterfront life.

Confident Living in Gig Harbor

A clear budget and up-front information can make any move to Gig Harbor much more manageable, despite the higher cost of living. The truth is this: The price is worth the life you’ll lead, and given the city's lifestyle, it’s one of the locations that proves the cost of living in Washington state is worth every penny.

If you want to reduce costs when buying in the region, looking at Gig Harbor home prices can help you secure a home that offers the most value without compromise. For help with this, schedule a call with Paige Schulte’s team. We can provide a personalized, concierge-style plan to make the home-buying process as rewarding as possible. 

FAQs About the Cost of Living in Washington State

What is the average cost of living in Washington State?

Washington State’s cost of living is estimated at just over 108% of the national average. Housing costs are the biggest contributor, with prices more than 25% higher than the U.S. average in many areas.

Why is Washington State so expensive to live in?

Higher home prices, strong job markets, and population growth—especially near Seattle—drive up costs. However, the lack of a state income tax can offset expenses for some households.

Is Gig Harbor expensive compared to other Washington cities?

Gig Harbor has higher home prices than many inland cities but is significantly more affordable than several Seattle-area communities. Many buyers see the waterfront lifestyle and community as worthwhile trade-offs.

How does the cost of living affect homebuyers in Washington?

Buyers often need higher incomes or dual-income households to comfortably afford housing. Remote or hybrid work can significantly increase buying power by allowing buyers to choose more affordable locations.

Is Washington State worth the cost of living?

For many buyers, Washington’s lifestyle, career opportunities, and natural beauty outweigh the higher costs. Choosing the right city or town—such as Gig Harbor—can make the cost more manageable.