Auburn, WA vs Pullman, WA

The cost of living difference between Auburn, WA and Pullman, WA is dramatic. Pullman is 31.9% cheaper than Auburn, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Auburn has a cost index of 133 while Pullman sits at 101, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Auburn is $1,713/month compared to $1,010/month in Pullman — a 70% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Pullman is more affordable at $401,700 median vs $510,400.

Median household income in Auburn is $95,367 compared to $45,097 in Pullman (+111.5%). While Auburn is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Auburn spend roughly 21.6% of their income on rent, less than the 26.9% in Pullman.

Climate-wise, Auburn is notably warmer with an average of 53.7°F compared to 48.6°F in Pullman. Auburn receives more rainfall at 39.3" per year compared to 17.5" in Pullman.