Key Center, WA vs Yelm, WA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Yelm is 17.8% cheaper than Key Center. With a cost index of 115 vs 135, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Yelm to Key Center should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Key Center is $1,641/month compared to $1,363/month in Yelm — a 20% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Yelm is more affordable at $439,100 median vs $558,200.

Median household income in Key Center is $100,405 compared to $88,279 in Yelm (+13.7%). The higher salaries in Key Center partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Key Center spend roughly 19.6% of their income on rent, more than the 18.5% in Yelm.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (51.9°F vs 50.5°F). Yelm receives more rainfall at 50.6" per year compared to 42" in Key Center.