Fort Lewis, WA vs Longview, WA

The cost of living difference between Fort Lewis, WA and Longview, WA is dramatic. Longview is 37.2% cheaper than Fort Lewis, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Fort Lewis has a cost index of 132 while Longview sits at 96, 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.

Renters will find that Fort Lewis has a median rent of $2,240/month while Longview comes in at $1,119/month, a 100% difference.

Median household income in Fort Lewis is $54,902 compared to $60,844 in Longview (-9.8%). Longview offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Fort Lewis spend roughly 49% of their income on rent, more than the 22.1% in Longview. The Longview ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (51.9°F vs 53°F). Longview receives more rainfall at 42.3" per year compared to 42" in Fort Lewis.