Ellensburg, WA vs Woodland, WA

Ellensburg, WA and Woodland, WA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 2.6% difference in their overall index. Ellensburg scores 105 while Woodland scores 108 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 Ellensburg is $1,258/month compared to $1,369/month in Woodland — a 8% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Ellensburg is more affordable at $357,800 median vs $384,100.

Median household income in Ellensburg is $49,888 compared to $83,193 in Woodland (-40%). While Woodland is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Ellensburg spend roughly 30.3% of their income on rent, more than the 19.7% in Woodland. The Woodland 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 53°F). Woodland receives more rainfall at 42.3" per year compared to 9.2" in Ellensburg.