Cost of Living in Yelm, WA

With a cost of living index of 115, Yelm, WA is somewhat more expensive than average. Living here is 15% more expensive than the national average and 5% below the Washington state average of 119. Yelm is a smaller community of 10,618 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Yelm's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,363 (3% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $439,100 (44% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 5x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in Yelm is $88,279, which is 17% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 19% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. While incomes are above average, they more than offset the higher cost of living.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Yelm. The area sees an average annual temperature of 50.5°F, with summers averaging 63°F and winters around 40°F. Annual rainfall totals 50.6 inches spread over roughly 163 days.

Everyday prices in the Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, 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.