Kelso, WA vs Spanaway, WA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Kelso is 25.7% cheaper than Spanaway. With a cost index of 94 vs 126, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Kelso to Spanaway should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Kelso is $1,131/month compared to $1,782/month in Spanaway — a 37% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Kelso is more affordable at $302,300 median vs $401,000.

Median household income in Kelso is $59,462 compared to $94,028 in Spanaway (-36.8%). While Spanaway is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Kelso spend roughly 22.8% of their income on rent, more than the 22.7% in Spanaway.

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