Cost of Living in San Juan County, Washington
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How San Juan County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
San Juan County ranks #1,040 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 33%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in San Juan County, Washington
San Juan County's Coastal Premium
San Juan County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.3% exceeds the national average, reflecting its island location and constrained housing supply. With a median household income of $83,682 and rent at $1,413/month, the county demands a larger income share for housing than most American counties.
Above-Average Housing Costs Statewide
San Juan County's 20.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks above Washington's 18.8% average, placing it among the state's pricier rental markets. At $1,413/month, median rent runs $211 above the state median, a premium driven by island geography and limited developable land.
San Juan's Island Price Premium
San Juan County's median rent of $1,413 exceeds nearby Skagit County ($1,439) by just $26, but the counties' home values tell a starkly different story: San Juan's median home price of $726,500 towers 49% above Skagit's $486,200. The island premium is unmistakable in ownership costs.
Renting vs. Buying on the Islands
San Juan County renters spend 20.3% of income on rent ($1,413/month), while owners dedicate 21.5% to mortgage and costs ($1,499/month). The median home value of $726,500 is the state's highest, making island ownership an expensive proposition despite strong median incomes.
San Juan: Island Living at a Premium
San Juan County offers island charm and outdoor recreation, but budget accordingly: housing costs consume a larger income share than most Washington counties. If island life appeals but affordability matters, compare San Juan's costs against Pend Oreille or Skamania before committing to relocation.
Cost of Living Advisory: San Juan County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in San Juan County is affordable. The median rent is $1,413/month against a median household income of $83,682, putting rent at 20.3% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in San Juan County pay $1,413/month on average, compared to $1,499/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 6%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $56,520/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $64,243/year. With a median household income of $83,682, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in San Juan County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Washington, San Juan County is less affordable than Whatcom County by roughly 4% ($1,413/mo vs $1,465/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in San Juan County
Rent Burden
20.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,953
per month
Owner Cost Burden
21.5%
of gross income
The median home in San Juan County may be a stretch
Median home value is $726,500. Estimated monthly cost: $5,800 vs. your max of $1,953.
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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