Fort Lewis, WA vs University Place, WA

Fort Lewis, WA and University Place, WA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 3.6% difference in their overall index. Fort Lewis scores 132 while University Place scores 137 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.

Renters will find that Fort Lewis has a median rent of $2,240/month while University Place comes in at $1,664/month, a 35% difference.

Median household income in Fort Lewis is $54,902 compared to $94,952 in University Place (-42.2%). While University Place is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Fort Lewis spend roughly 49% of their income on rent, more than the 21% in University Place. The University Place 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 51.9°F). University Place receives more rainfall at 42" per year compared to 42" in Fort Lewis.