Ellensburg, WA

Average · 98

Washington · Population 18,913 · Updated March 2026

$1,258
Median Rent / Month
$49,888
Median Income
$357,800
Median Home Value
$1,282
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Ellensburg

30.3%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Moderate
Rent takes 25-35% of median income — moderate affordability.

Tax Burden in Washington

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

0%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
6.5%
Sales Tax
0.92%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$15,096
Annual Rent
$0
State Income Tax
$3,292
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Ellensburg has a cost of living close to the national average, offering a balanced mix of expenses and amenities. With a cost index of 98 (where 100 equals the national median), Ellensburg residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,258/month while earning a median household income of $49,888/year.

The median home value in Ellensburg, WA is $357,800, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,282 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. At 30.3% rent-to-income ratio, residents of Ellensburg are spending more than the recommended 30% of income on housing, indicating moderate cost burden.

Washington has no state income tax, which can represent significant savings compared to high-tax states. Combined with a 6.5% sales tax rate and 0.92% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment helps keep costs manageable in Ellensburg.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Ellensburg

What is the cost of living in Ellensburg, WA?
The cost of living index in Ellensburg, WA is 98 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,258, median household income is $49,888/year, and the median home value is $357,800.
Is Ellensburg, WA affordable?
Yes, Ellensburg is more affordable than the national average with a cost index of 98. The rent-to-income ratio is 30.3%—above the 30%% affordability threshold.
What is the average rent in Ellensburg, WA?
The median gross rent in Ellensburg, WA is $1,258 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $15,096.
What is the median household income in Ellensburg?
The median household income in Ellensburg, WA is $49,888 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in Washington?
Washington has a top income tax rate of 0%, a sales tax of 6.5%, and an effective property tax rate of 0.92%. Notably, there is no state income tax.