Puyallup, WA vs Yakima, WA

The cost of living difference between Puyallup, WA and Yakima, WA is dramatic. Yakima is 50.2% cheaper than Puyallup, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Puyallup has a cost index of 134 while Yakima sits at 89, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Puyallup is $1,750/month compared to $1,075/month in Yakima — a 63% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Yakima is more affordable at $273,400 median vs $507,000.

Median household income in Puyallup is $95,639 compared to $59,228 in Yakima (+61.5%). While Puyallup is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Puyallup spend roughly 22% of their income on rent, more than the 21.8% in Yakima.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (51.9°F vs 50.8°F). Puyallup receives more rainfall at 42" per year compared to 8" in Yakima.