Kelso, WA

Below Avg · 85

Washington · Population 12,697 · Updated March 2026

$1,131
Median Rent / Month
$59,462
Median Income
$302,300
Median Home Value
$1,135
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Kelso

22.8%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Affordable
Rent takes less than 25% of median income — considered affordable by HUD standards.

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

$13,572
Annual Rent
$0
State Income Tax
$2,781
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Kelso offers a below-average cost of living, giving residents more purchasing power compared to many US cities. With a cost index of 85 (where 100 equals the national median), Kelso residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,131/month while earning a median household income of $59,462/year.

The median home value in Kelso, WA is $302,300, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,135 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 22.8% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.

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 Kelso.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Kelso

What is the cost of living in Kelso, WA?
The cost of living index in Kelso, WA is 85 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,131, median household income is $59,462/year, and the median home value is $302,300.
Is Kelso, WA affordable?
Yes, Kelso is more affordable than the national average with a cost index of 85. The rent-to-income ratio is 22.8%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Kelso, WA?
The median gross rent in Kelso, WA is $1,131 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $13,572.
What is the median household income in Kelso?
The median household income in Kelso, WA is $59,462 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.