Cost of Living in Kelso, WA

With a cost of living index of 94, Kelso, WA is slightly more affordable than average. Living here is 6% cheaper than the national average and 25% below the Washington state average of 119. Kelso is a smaller community of 12,697 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Kelso's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,131 (14% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $302,300 (1% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 5.1x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in Kelso is $59,462, which is 21% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 23% 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 Kelso. The area sees an average annual temperature of 53°F, with summers averaging 66°F and winters around 41°F. Annual rainfall totals 42.3 inches spread over roughly 166 days.

Everyday prices in the Longview-Kelso, 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.