Ferndale, WA vs Lake Stevens, WA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Ferndale is 21.7% cheaper than Lake Stevens. With a cost index of 121 vs 155, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Ferndale to Lake Stevens should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Ferndale is $1,461/month compared to $2,189/month in Lake Stevens — a 33% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Ferndale is more affordable at $492,400 median vs $593,900.

Median household income in Ferndale is $83,839 compared to $118,290 in Lake Stevens (-29.1%). 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 Ferndale spend roughly 20.9% of their income on rent, less than the 22.2% in Lake Stevens.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (51.2°F vs 51.4°F). Ferndale receives more rainfall at 34.7" per year compared to 33.4" in Lake Stevens.