Kelso, WA vs SeaTac, WA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Kelso is 27.1% cheaper than SeaTac. With a cost index of 94 vs 129, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Kelso to SeaTac should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Kelso is $1,131/month compared to $1,637/month in SeaTac — a 31% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Kelso is more affordable at $302,300 median vs $483,200.

Median household income in Kelso is $59,462 compared to $76,517 in SeaTac (-22.3%). The higher salaries in SeaTac partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Kelso spend roughly 22.8% of their income on rent, less than the 25.7% in SeaTac.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (53°F vs 53.7°F). Kelso receives more rainfall at 42.3" per year compared to 39.3" in SeaTac.