Cost of Living in Ephrata, WA

With a cost of living index of 85, Ephrata, WA is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 15% cheaper than the national average and 34% below the Washington state average of 119. Ephrata is a smaller community of 8,493 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Ephrata's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $993 (25% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $240,000 (21% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 3.4x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Ephrata is $70,321, which is 6% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 17% 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 Ephrata. The area sees an average annual temperature of 51.5°F, with summers averaging 72°F and winters around 31°F. Annual rainfall totals 7.6 inches spread over roughly 71 days.

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.