Cost of Living in Shelton, WA

With a cost of living index of 101, Shelton, WA is right around the national average in cost. Living here is 1% more expensive than the national average and 18% below the Washington state average of 119. Shelton is a smaller community of 10,619 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Shelton's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,298 (2% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $296,100 (3% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 4.9x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in Shelton is $60,589, which is 19% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 26% of household income on rent. This is near the 30% threshold that financial experts generally consider the upper limit of affordability.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Shelton. The area sees an average annual temperature of 51.4°F, with summers averaging 63°F and winters around 41°F. Annual rainfall totals 67.9 inches spread over roughly 167 days.

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.