Cost of Living in Elmer City, WA

With a cost of living index of 74, Elmer City, WA is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 26% cheaper than the national average and 45% below the Washington state average of 119. Elmer City is a small community of 297 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Elmer City's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $788 (40% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $180,500 (41% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 3x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Elmer City is $60,250, which is 20% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 16% 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 Elmer City. The area sees an average annual temperature of 49.9°F, with summers averaging 71°F and winters around 29°F. Annual rainfall totals 11.6 inches spread over roughly 82 days. Cold winters mean higher heating bills, an important cost-of-living consideration.

Everyday prices in the Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, 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.