Cost of Living in Centralia, WA

With a cost of living index of 90, Centralia, WA is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 10% cheaper than the national average and 30% below the Washington state average of 119. Centralia is a smaller community of 18,457 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Centralia's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,003 (24% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $267,600 (12% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 5.1x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in Centralia is $52,387, which is 30% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 23% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Centralia. The area sees an average annual temperature of 50.5°F, with summers averaging 63°F and winters around 40°F. Annual rainfall totals 50.6 inches spread over roughly 163 days.

Everyday prices in the Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area tend to run above the national average. Out of 6 common grocery and utility items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 5 are priced higher than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.