Cle Elum, WA vs Rochester, WA

Cle Elum, WA and Rochester, WA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 3.8% difference in their overall index. Cle Elum scores 101 while Rochester scores 105 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Cle Elum is $1,075/month compared to $1,182/month in Rochester — a 9% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Cle Elum is more affordable at $379,300 median vs $391,600.

Median household income in Cle Elum is $56,912 compared to $94,754 in Rochester (-39.9%). While Rochester is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Cle Elum spend roughly 22.7% of their income on rent, more than the 15% in Rochester.

Climate-wise, Rochester is notably warmer with an average of 50.5°F compared to 42.4°F in Cle Elum. Cle Elum receives more rainfall at 85" per year compared to 50.6" in Rochester.