Elk Plain, WA vs Lake Stevens, WA

Elk Plain is moderately more affordable than Lake Stevens, with a 13.7% lower cost of living index. Elk Plain scores 133 compared to 155 for Lake Stevens, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Lake Stevens can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Elk Plain is $1,908/month compared to $2,189/month in Lake Stevens — a 13% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Elk Plain is more affordable at $440,300 median vs $593,900.

Median household income in Elk Plain is $101,250 compared to $118,290 in Lake Stevens (-14.4%). While Lake Stevens is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Elk Plain spend roughly 22.6% of their income on rent, more than the 22.2% in Lake Stevens.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (51.9°F vs 51.4°F). Elk Plain receives more rainfall at 42" per year compared to 33.4" in Lake Stevens.