McChord AFB, WA vs Stanwood, WA

McChord AFB, WA and Stanwood, WA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 0.8% difference in their overall index. McChord AFB scores 135 while Stanwood scores 134 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

Renters will find that McChord AFB has a median rent of $2,315/month while Stanwood comes in at $1,625/month, a 43% difference.

Median household income in McChord AFB is $55,662 compared to $87,477 in Stanwood (-36.4%). Stanwood offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of McChord AFB spend roughly 49.9% of their income on rent, more than the 22.3% in Stanwood. The Stanwood ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (51.9°F vs 52.1°F). McChord AFB receives more rainfall at 42" per year compared to 19.9" in Stanwood.