Cost of Living in Whatcom County, WA
Population 230,503 · Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates
The median rent in Whatcom County, WA is $1,555/month, 12% lower than the Washington median and 10% higher than the U.S. median. The median home value is $585,800, 76% higher than the national median. Households earn a median of $81,784 a year, 17% lower than the state median.
Affordability
Run your own numbers: mortgage calculator · hourly to salary
Whatcom County vs. Washington vs. U.S.
| Whatcom County | Washington | U.S. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $1,555 | $1,760 | $1,413 |
| Median home value | $585,800 | $564,600 | $332,700 |
| Median household income | $81,784 | $98,141 | $80,734 |
| Homeownership rate | 63.7% | 63.8% | 65.2% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 39.3% | 39.6% | 35.7% |
| Poverty rate | 12.9% | 9.9% | 12.5% |
| Unemployment rate | 4.8% | 5.1% | 5.2% |
| Work from home | 14.8% | 19.8% | 15.1% |
| Median age | 38.4 | 38.3 | 38.9 |
FAQ
What is the average rent in Whatcom County, WA?
The median gross rent in Whatcom County, WA is $1,555 per month (ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimate).
How much do I need to earn to live in Whatcom County, WA?
Using the common 30% rule, renting a median-priced home takes about $62,200 a year in gross income.
Is Whatcom County, WA expensive to live in?
Rent there is 10% higher than the U.S. median, and the median home costs about 7.2 times the median household income.
Other counties in Washington
Counties with a similar cost of living
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates. Estimates have margins of error, especially for smaller places. This product uses the Census Bureau Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the Census Bureau.
Explore more
New tools, top deals and new pages — one short email a week. No spam.