Kelso, WA vs Walla Walla, WA

Kelso is moderately more affordable than Walla Walla, with a 5.4% lower cost of living index. Kelso scores 94 compared to 99 for Walla Walla, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Walla Walla can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Kelso is $1,131/month compared to $1,176/month in Walla Walla — a 4% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Kelso is more affordable at $302,300 median vs $356,600.

Median household income in Kelso is $59,462 compared to $65,493 in Walla Walla (-9.2%). While Walla Walla 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 21.5% in Walla Walla.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (53°F vs 54.3°F). Kelso receives more rainfall at 42.3" per year compared to 18.7" in Walla Walla.