Cost of Living in Chehalis, WA
Population 7,536 · Washington · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Chehalis is a smaller Washington community of around 8000 residents, where median household incomes of $68,021 and housing costs ($331,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. At 6.8%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Geographically, Chehalis is about 45 miles southwest of Tacoma, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 27% lower than Tacoma's $455,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Chehalis
The median home value in Chehalis is $330,800 — 8% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,055/month, 20% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $68,021/year is 9% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.8%, above the national average of 4.8%. Washington charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 62.3°F and lows of 42.3°F. Overall, Chehalis has a cost of living index of 97 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 3% less expensive.
Chehalis has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 46 | 51 | 56 | 61 | 68 | 72 | 79 | 81 | 75 | 62 | 52 | 45 |
| Low °F | 35 | 34 | 38 | 41 | 46 | 50 | 52 | 51 | 47 | 42 | 37 | 35 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Chehalis, WA?
Chehalis has a cost index of 97 (100 = national average). It is 3% below the national average.
What is average rent in Chehalis, WA?
The median gross rent in Chehalis is $1,055 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Chehalis?
The median home value in Chehalis is $330,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Chehalis?
The median household income in Chehalis is $68,021 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Chehalis, WA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Chehalis is 9.2%. Washington has no state income tax.
Is Chehalis, WA affordable?
Chehalis is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 97 (100 = US average).
What is the weather like in Chehalis?
Chehalis has average high temperatures of 62.3°F and average lows of 42.3°F. Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Chehalis at a Glance
- Population
- 7,536
- Median Income
- $68,021
- Home Value
- $330,800
- Median Rent
- $1,055/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.8%
- Avg High Temp
- 62.3°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.2%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Washington Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
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