Cost of Living in Fort Lewis, WA

With a cost of living index of 132, Fort Lewis, WA is a notably expensive place to live. Living here is 32% more expensive than the national average and 13% above the Washington state average of 119. Fort Lewis is a smaller community of 13,983 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

The median household income in Fort Lewis is $54,902, which is 27% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 49% of household income on rent. This is well above the 30% affordability threshold, indicating a significant housing cost burden for many residents.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Fort Lewis. The area sees an average annual temperature of 51.9°F, with summers averaging 63°F and winters around 42°F. Annual rainfall totals 42 inches spread over roughly 168 days.

Everyday prices in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, 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.