Cost of Living in Kitsap County, Washington
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Kitsap County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Kitsap County ranks #2,544 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 19%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Kitsap County, Washington
Kitsap stretches income on rent
Kitsap County's 21.2% rent-to-income ratio exceeds both the national average and Washington's state average, making it a tight squeeze for renters. At $1,741 monthly, median rent is more than double the national median, though incomes of $98,546 help offset the burden compared to lower-earning regions.
Among Washington's less affordable
Kitsap's 21.2% rent-to-income ratio ranks it above the state average of 18.8%, placing the county in the upper tier of affordability challenges across Washington. The median rent of $1,741 significantly exceeds the state average of $1,202, reflecting the Puget Sound region's sustained demand.
Gateway to Puget Sound pricing
Kitsap's $1,741 rent sits between King County's pricey $2,035 and more rural counties to the east, making it a middle ground in the Seattle metro. Housing costs are notably higher than Pierce or Thurston counties, reflecting its proximity to Bremerton's waterfront appeal and military base economy.
Rent and mortgage split evenly
Renters spend 21.2% of the $98,546 median income on housing, while homeowners dedicate 21.9% to mortgage costs of $1,802. The median home value of $505,700 remains accessible compared to King County but costly relative to inland Washington.
Consider Kitsap as Seattle alternative
Kitsap offers reasonable proximity to Seattle jobs with meaningful rent savings—nearly $300 monthly less than King County. If you're seeking Puget Sound access without peak-market pricing, Kitsap's ferry connections and smaller-city appeal make it a strategic relocation choice.
Cost of Living Advisory: Kitsap County
Affordability Verdict
Kitsap County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $1,741/month — about 21.2% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Kitsap County pay $1,741/month on average, compared to $1,802/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 3%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $69,640/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $77,229/year. With a median household income of $98,546, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 31.0% of renter households in Kitsap County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Washington, Kitsap County is more affordable than Clark County by roughly 4% ($1,741/mo vs $1,668/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Kitsap County
Rent Burden
21.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,299
per month
Owner Cost Burden
21.9%
of gross income
The median home in Kitsap County may be a stretch
Median home value is $505,700. Estimated monthly cost: $4,037 vs. your max of $2,299.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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