Vancouver, WA, US
Washington's oldest city across the Columbia from Portland with no income tax.
Above Average vs US Avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Vancouver vs US Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: None
- Sales Tax: 10.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: $65,000
- Unemployment: 3.8%
- Population: 190,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 145/year
- Summer High: 80°F
- Winter Low: 35°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6a
Housing
- Median Home: $420,000
- 1BR Rent: $1400/mo
Cost of Living
Vancouver's cost of living index is 108 (US average = 100).
| Category | Vancouver | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 108 | 100 | +8.0% |
| Housing | 115 | 100 | +15.0% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $420,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $1400/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $1,750/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | $280 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Vancouver:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $91 | Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | $50 | Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | $60 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | $70 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | $35 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | $306 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Vancouver scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Vancouver has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 55°F | 35°F | 2.5" |
| April | 65°F | 50°F | 2.8" |
| July | 80°F | 55°F | 1.5" |
| October | 60°F | 53°F | 2.2" |
Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables
Natural Hazards
Vancouver faces the following natural hazards:
Cascadia subduction zone with major earthquake risk.
Frequent wildfire seasons.
Mountainous and coastal regions with landslides.
Cascade Range with frequent avalanches.
River flooding.
Periodic drought conditions.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 0% (None)
- Sales Tax: 10%
- Property Tax: ~0.94% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.8%.
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
State mandates 180 school days.
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Vancouver, WA, US?
The cost of living index in Vancouver is 108, which is Higher the US national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Vancouver?
The median home price in Vancouver is $420,000. The housing index is 115.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Vancouver is approximately $1400/mo.
Does Vancouver, WA have income tax?
Vancouver is in WA, which has no income tax.
What is the climate like in Vancouver?
Vancouver enjoys approximately 145 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 80°F, while winter lows can drop to around 35°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: August 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.