South Cle Elum, WA vs Tenino, WA

South Cle Elum, WA and Tenino, WA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 2.3% difference in their overall index. South Cle Elum scores 104 while Tenino scores 102 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.

On the housing front, median rent in South Cle Elum is $1,193/month compared to $1,239/month in Tenino — a 4% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while South Cle Elum has cheaper rent, Tenino actually has lower median home values ($333,100 vs $375,000).

Median household income in South Cle Elum is $60,268 compared to $75,438 in Tenino (-20.1%). Tenino offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of South Cle Elum spend roughly 23.8% of their income on rent, more than the 19.7% in Tenino.

Climate-wise, Tenino is notably warmer with an average of 50.5°F compared to 42.4°F in South Cle Elum. South Cle Elum receives more rainfall at 85" per year compared to 50.6" in Tenino.