Cost of Living in Longview, WA

With a cost of living index of 96, Longview, WA is slightly more affordable than average. Living here is 4% cheaper than the national average and 23% below the Washington state average of 119. With a population of 37,836, Longview is a mid-sized community that balances access to services with a more manageable cost of living compared to larger metros.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Longview's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,119 (15% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $339,000 (11% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 5.6x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in Longview is $60,844, which is 19% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 22% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Longview. 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.