Cost of Living in Steptoe, WA

With a cost of living index of 80, Steptoe, WA is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 20% cheaper than the national average and 40% below the Washington state average of 119. Steptoe is a small community of 152 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Steptoe's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $860 (35% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $196,600 (36% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 4x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Steptoe is $48,929, which is 35% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 21% 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 Steptoe. The area sees an average annual temperature of 48.6°F, with summers averaging 65°F and winters around 33°F. Annual rainfall totals 17.5 inches spread over roughly 114 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.