Edmonds, WA vs Ellensburg, WA

The cost of living difference between Edmonds, WA and Ellensburg, WA is dramatic. Ellensburg is 56.7% cheaper than Edmonds, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Edmonds has a cost index of 164 while Ellensburg sits at 105, 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 Edmonds is $1,850/month compared to $1,258/month in Ellensburg — a 47% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Ellensburg is more affordable at $357,800 median vs $840,200.

Median household income in Edmonds is $116,095 compared to $49,888 in Ellensburg (+132.7%). While Edmonds is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Edmonds spend roughly 19.1% of their income on rent, less than the 30.3% in Ellensburg. The Edmonds ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (51.4°F vs 50.1°F). Edmonds receives more rainfall at 33.4" per year compared to 9.2" in Ellensburg.