Goldendale, WA vs Port Townsend, WA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Goldendale is 29.2% cheaper than Port Townsend. With a cost index of 80 vs 114, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Goldendale to Port Townsend should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Goldendale is $892/month compared to $1,151/month in Port Townsend — a 23% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Goldendale is more affordable at $194,100 median vs $502,500.

Median household income in Goldendale is $41,621 compared to $60,015 in Port Townsend (-30.6%). While Port Townsend is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Goldendale spend roughly 25.7% of their income on rent, more than the 23% in Port Townsend.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (54.4°F vs 52.1°F). Port Townsend receives more rainfall at 19.9" per year compared to 13.7" in Goldendale.