Cost of Living in Kelso, WA
Population 12,697 · Washington · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Kelso a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $302,000.
Geographically, Kelso is about 35 miles northwest of Vancouver, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 31% lower than Vancouver's $440,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Kelso
The median home value in Kelso is $302,300 — 1% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,131/month, 14% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $59,462/year is 20% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.0%, 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 63.2°F and lows of 42.8°F. Overall, Kelso has a cost of living index of 94 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 6% less expensive.
🏠 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 | 47 | 51 | 56 | 61 | 68 | 73 | 81 | 82 | 76 | 64 | 53 | 46 |
| Low °F | 34 | 34 | 37 | 40 | 46 | 51 | 55 | 54 | 50 | 43 | 37 | 34 |
| Precip" | 6.54 | 4.62 | 4.54 | 3.08 | 2.49 | 1.37 | 0.48 | 0.52 | 1.56 | 3.60 | 6.26 | 7.25 |
💨 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 Kelso, WA?
Kelso has a cost index of 94 (100 = national average). It is 6% below the national average.
What is average rent in Kelso, WA?
The median gross rent in Kelso is $1,131 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Kelso?
The median home value in Kelso is $302,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Kelso?
The median household income in Kelso is $59,462 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Kelso, WA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Kelso is 9.2%. Washington has no state income tax.
Is Kelso, WA affordable?
Kelso is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 94 (100 = US average).
What is the weather like in Kelso?
Kelso has average high temperatures of 63.2°F and average lows of 42.8°F. Annual precipitation is 42.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Kelso at a Glance
- Population
- 12,697
- Median Income
- $59,462
- Home Value
- $302,300
- Median Rent
- $1,131/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 63.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.2%
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Washington Rankings
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