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SeaTac, WA vs Shelton, WA

129
SeaTac
Washington
VS
+27.3%
101
Shelton
Washington

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Shelton is 27.3% cheaper than SeaTac. With a cost index of 101 vs 129, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Shelton to SeaTac should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in SeaTac is $1,637/month compared to $1,298/month in Shelton — a 26% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Shelton is more affordable at $296,100 median vs $483,200.

Median household income in SeaTac is $76,517 compared to $60,589 in Shelton (+26.3%). The higher salaries in SeaTac partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of SeaTac spend roughly 25.7% of their income on rent, less than the 25.7% in Shelton.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (53.7°F vs 51.4°F). Shelton receives more rainfall at 67.9" per year compared to 39.3" in SeaTac.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
SeaTac
129
Shelton
101
21% cheaper
Median Household Income
SeaTac
$76,517
21% higher
Shelton
$60,589

Housing

Median Rent
SeaTac
$1,637
Shelton
$1,298
21% cheaper
Median Home Value
SeaTac
$483,200
Shelton
$296,100
39% cheaper
Population
SeaTac
31,143
Shelton
10,619

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
SeaTac $3.31
Shelton
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
SeaTac $2.70
Shelton
US $2.50
🥛
Milk (whole)
SeaTac $4.35
Shelton
US $4.03
🍞
Bread (white)
SeaTac $2.00
Shelton
US $1.85
🍗
Chicken breast
SeaTac $4.48
Shelton
US $4.14
Electricity
SeaTac $0.16
Shelton
US $0.19

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
SeaTac 53.7°F
Shelton 51.4°F
Summer High
SeaTac 77°F
Shelton 78°F
Winter Low
SeaTac 38°F
Shelton 34°F
Rainfall
SeaTac 39.3"
Shelton 67.9"
Rainy Days
SeaTac 156d
Shelton 167d