Fife, WA vs Montesano, WA

The cost of living difference between Fife, WA and Montesano, WA is dramatic. Montesano is 33.1% cheaper than Fife, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Fife has a cost index of 135 while Montesano sits at 101, 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 Fife is $1,836/month compared to $1,201/month in Montesano — a 53% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Montesano is more affordable at $331,300 median vs $480,600.

Median household income in Fife is $90,515 compared to $65,938 in Montesano (+37.3%). While Fife is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Fife spend roughly 24.3% of their income on rent, more than the 21.9% in Montesano.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (51.9°F vs 51°F). Montesano receives more rainfall at 68.8" per year compared to 42" in Fife.