Ellensburg, WA vs Union Gap, WA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Union Gap is 26.1% cheaper than Ellensburg. With a cost index of 83 vs 105, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Union Gap to Ellensburg should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Ellensburg is $1,258/month compared to $1,111/month in Union Gap — a 13% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Union Gap is more affordable at $186,200 median vs $357,800.

Median household income in Ellensburg is $49,888 compared to $58,958 in Union Gap (-15.4%). Union Gap offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Ellensburg spend roughly 30.3% of their income on rent, more than the 22.6% in Union Gap. The Union Gap ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (50.1°F vs 50.8°F). Ellensburg receives more rainfall at 9.2" per year compared to 8" in Union Gap.