Cost of Living in Ellensburg, WA

With a cost of living index of 105, Ellensburg, WA is somewhat more expensive than average. Living here is 5% more expensive than the national average and 14% below the Washington state average of 119. Ellensburg is a smaller community of 18,913 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Ellensburg's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,258 (5% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $357,800 (17% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 7.2x the median household income — a challenging ratio that puts homeownership out of reach for many residents.

The median household income in Ellensburg is $49,888, which is 34% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 30% of household income on rent. This is near the 30% threshold that financial experts generally consider the upper limit of affordability.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Ellensburg. The area sees an average annual temperature of 50.1°F, with summers averaging 69°F and winters around 32°F. Annual rainfall totals 9.2 inches spread over roughly 87 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.