Cost of Living in South Cle Elum, WA

With a cost of living index of 104, South Cle Elum, WA is somewhat more expensive than average. Living here is 4% more expensive than the national average and 15% below the Washington state average of 119. South Cle Elum is a small community of 707 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in South Cle Elum's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,193 (10% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $375,000 (23% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 6.2x the median household income — a challenging ratio that puts homeownership out of reach for many residents.

The median household income in South Cle Elum is $60,268, which is 20% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 24% 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 South Cle Elum. The area sees an average annual temperature of 42.4°F, with summers averaging 57°F and winters around 29°F. Annual rainfall totals 85 inches spread over roughly 187 days. Cold winters mean higher heating bills, an important cost-of-living consideration.

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.