Cost of Living in Chehalis, WA

With a cost of living index of 97, Chehalis, WA is slightly more affordable than average. Living here is 3% cheaper than the national average and 23% below the Washington state average of 119. Chehalis is a smaller community of 7,536 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Chehalis's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,055 (20% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $330,800 (8% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 4.9x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in Chehalis is $68,021, which is 9% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 19% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Chehalis. 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.

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.