The 8 Most Expensive Small Towns on the West Coast (You’ll Be Shocked at #3)
We love a charming small town—but some of the cutest spots on the West Coast come with brutal price tags. Whether it’s real estate, groceries, or just trying to get a sandwich without taking out a loan, these places prove that small doesn’t always mean affordable.
Here are 8 small West Coast towns where the cost of living is sky-high—and yes, one of them might totally surprise you.
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1. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Median home price: Over $2 million
This fairytale coastal town is as fancy as it is photogenic. Cobblestone lanes, no street addresses, and ocean views—but the real estate market is one of the most exclusive in the country. Even the dog boutiques here are expensive.
2. Cannon Beach, Oregon
Median home price: ~$950,000
It may look like a sleepy beach town, but try buying a house here. Cannon Beach’s coastal charm and tourist traffic have driven prices up hard. Add in boutique hotel rates and $18 fish tacos, and it’s not exactly a budget destination.
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3. Avalon (Catalina Island), California
Median home price: ~$1.3 million
You’ll need a ferry just to get to this town—and once you’re there, prepare to spend. Avalon’s remote island location means everything costs more, from gas to groceries to vacation rentals. Living here full-time? That’s a billionaire hobby.
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4. Sausalito, California
Median home price: Over $1.6 million
Right across the Golden Gate from San Francisco, Sausalito offers waterfront views, sailboats, and a dreamy artsy vibe—but at a luxury-level cost. It’s technically a “small town,” but good luck finding a “small” mortgage.
5. Ashland, Oregon
Median home price: ~$650,000
For a town under 22,000 people, Ashland has surprisingly high prices. Blame the university, the theater scene, and its growing rep as a wellness-and-retirement hub. Oh—and summer wildfires haven’t helped the insurance side of the bill.
6. Friday Harbor (San Juan Island), Washington
Median home price: ~$900,000+
Island life is chill—until you realize everything has to be ferried in. Real estate on San Juan Island has skyrocketed, and Friday Harbor is the priciest place to call home. Great for watching orcas. Not great for affording dinner.
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7. Yountville, California
Median home price: Over $1.5 million
Wine country gets expensive fast, and Yountville is no exception. It’s tiny, walkable, and absolutely adorable—but between the tasting rooms and Michelin-star restaurants, even a weekend here will hurt your wallet.
8. Leavenworth, Washington
Median home price: ~$750,000
This Bavarian-themed mountain town is undeniably cute—and the prices prove it. Tourists have flooded in over the past decade, and real estate has followed. Rent a cabin here during Oktoberfest and you’ll feel the sting.
MORE ON THE WEST COAST:
READ MORE: The Best of Oregon
READ MORE: The Best of Washington
READ MORE: The Best of California
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