Nestled in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, North Bend, WA, offers a peaceful, scenic place to call home. It has a small-town atmosphere with a charming downtown and many local restaurants that provide opportunities for connecting with neighbors.
Considering moving to this city? Understanding the cost of living in North Bend WA is crucial for making an informed decision about relocating here.
The cost of living is the amount of money an individual needs to cover basic expenses, such as housing, food and groceries, utilities, and healthcare in a particular place. Read on to learn more about these costs.
North Bend, WA Cost of Living: An Overall Picture
North Bend, WA, has an overall cost of living index of 164. This means the total cost of housing, food, childcare, transportation, healthcare, taxes, and other necessities in this location is 64% higher than the national average and 46% higher than the average for Washington.
A cost-of-living index is a broad measurement of the cost of different basic expenses expected by the average person living in a certain location, such as North Bend, WA. The cost-of-living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the overall cost of living for is 164, then it is 64% higher than the national average.
The table below shows the basic expenses’ cost of living in North Bend, WA, relative to the state of Washington and the national average:
| Index | North Bend | Washington | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 164 | 118 | 100 |
| Goods & Services | 113 | 111 | 100 |
| Groceries | 116 | 110 | 100 |
| Healthcare | 115 | 120 | 100 |
| Housing | 283 | 135 | 100 |
| Transportation | 125 | 123 | 100 |
| Utilities | 97 | 92 | 100 |
From the table above, you’ll see that housing is the highest expense, at a COL index of 283, which means that it is 183% more expensive than the national average. All the other expenses like groceries, transportation and healthcare are also higher relative to the national average, except for utilities, which is 3% lower.
Housing Costs in North Bend, WA
A typical home in the North Bend WA housing market costs $863,000 on average. This is 155.2% more expensive than the national average of $338,100 and 61.4% higher than the state average of $534,700.
The average monthly rent of a two-bedroom apartment in North Bend is $2,280. This is 59.4% higher than the national average of $1,430 and 24.1% more expensive than the state average of $1,730.
| Item | North Bend | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Price | $863,000 | $338,100 | 155.2% higher |
| Mortgage Payment | $2,843.91 | $2,346.69 | 21.2% higher |
| Apartment Rent | $2,280 | $1,430 | 59.4% higher |
Other Major Living Expenses
Aside from housing, other major living expenses factored into cost of living include utilities, food and groceries, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods and services.
Utility Costs
Average utility costs in North Bend, WA, are 3% lower than the national average.
| Item | North Bend | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Electricity | $175.38 | $193.99 | 9.6% lower |
| Phone | $207.11 | $192.25 | 7.7% higher |
Groceries and Food Prices
The cost of food and groceries in North Bend, WA, is 16% higher than the national average.
| Item | North Bend | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Beef | $5.66 | $5.84 | 3.0% lower |
| Fried Chicken | $2.78 | $1.57 | 76.8% higher |
| Milk | $4.85 | $4.67 | 3.7% higher |
| Potatoes | $4.43 | $4.93 | 10.3% lower |
| Pizza | $14.86 | $12.09 | 22.9% higher |
| Beer | $11.77 | $10.41 | 13.1% higher |
Transportation Costs
Next to housing, transportation is the next highest expense in North Bend, WA, at an index of 125, indicating that it is 25% higher than the national average.
| Item | North Bend | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gasoline | $4.39 | $3.46 | 26.9% higher |
| Tire Balancing | $77.69 | $59.92 | 29.7% higher |
Healthcare Costs
Healthcare costs in North Bend, WA, is 15% higher than the national average.
| Item | North Bend | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Optometrist | $242.14 | $125.68 | 92.7% higher |
| Doctor | $77.69 | $135.78 | 2.9% higher |
| Dentist | $164.30 | $113.29 | 45.0% higher |
| Ibuprofen | $11.87 | $10.65 | 11.4% higher |
| Lipitor | $448.83 | $468.60 | 4.2% lower |
Miscellaneous Expenses
The cost of miscellaneous goods and services in North Bend, WA, is 13% higher than the national average.
| Item | North Bend | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haircut | $32.12 | $24.26 | 32.4% higher |
| Beauty Salon | $43.48 | $45.56 | 4.6% lower |
| Toothpaste | $3.46 | $3.70 | 6.6% lower |
| Shampoo | $1.24 | $1.28 | 3.4% lower |
| Movie | $11.87 | $12.13 | 2.2% lower |
Salary Needed to Live Comfortably in North Bend, WA
To live comfortably in North Bend, WA, a minimum annual income of $165,240 for a family, and $78,000 for a single person, is recommended.
In Washington, the average household income is $129,559. This is 17% higher than the national average. The median income, on the other hand, is $94,952, which is 21% higher than the national median.
Property Taxes in North Bend, WA
Property taxes in North Bend, WA, are calculated based on the assessed value. This is typically lower than the actual market value due to property tax exemptions, such as the homestead or senior exemption.
The median effective property tax rate in North Bend, WA, is 0.97%. This is slightly lower than the national median of 1.02%, but higher compared to the Washington state median of 0.88%.
Given the lower effective property tax rate, homeowners in North Bend might pay less in property taxes compared to other regions across the country.
Conclusion
The cost of living in North Bend, WA, may be more expensive than the national average, but it offers a high quality of life with access to nature and outdoor recreation, excellent schools, and other essential amenities.
If you’d like to explore your home options in North Bend, WA, give me a call today at (206) 590-6316 or email me at amanda.wright@cbrealty.com to schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
With an overall cost of living index of 164, living in North Bend, WA, is 64% more expensive than the national average.
The average monthly rent of a two-bedroom apartment in North Bend is $2,280.
To live comfortably in North Bend, WA, a minimum annual income of $165,240 for a family, and $78,000 for a single person, is recommended.
The median effective property tax rate in North Bend, WA, is 0.97%. This is slightly lower than the national median of 1.02%.
Average utility costs in North Bend, WA, are 3% lower than the national average.
