A-
8%
Overall NAT. AVG.
5%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
8%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Longview Washington National
Cost of living108119100
Groceries105107100
Health care110109100
Housing108138100
Transportation112112100
Utilities111110100
Lifestyle & Entertainment109112100
Household Items104107100
Education & Childcare112117100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Longview, WA

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Longview? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Longview stands at 108, making it 8% higher than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

Everyday expenditures like food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care in Longview are priced in a manner consistent with other areas. This means that residents of Longview can anticipate their daily expenses remaining reasonably similar to those in an average city, thereby supporting a manageable cost of living.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Longview?

The most insightful perspective on a city comes from its residents. We recently surveyed 18 locals to gauge their perception of the cost of living in Longview. The feedback revealed that 33% of respondents found the cost of living to be reasonable, with prices on the decline, while 67% regarded it as notably expensive with prices that continue to rise.

Is Longview Affordable?

Wondering if Longview is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Longview, for example, the median home price is 14.6% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 8.8% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Longview boasting a median household income of $72,297, which is 11.1% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Longview?

Urbanization: Larger, urban areas boasting abundant amenities and robust employment prospects often exhibit a heightened cost of living, driven by the increased demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural locales or regions marked by diminished demand typically offer a more limited range of amenities and experience slower job market expansion. This translates into a more affordable cost of living.

Housing: Elevated demand for housing within coveted locales has the propensity to escalate both property values and rental rates, thereby serving as a primary catalyst for an augmented cost of living. Conversely, areas witnessing diminished housing demand, particularly within less desirable environs, often experience an inversely proportional effect, leading to price reductions and subsequently contributing to a more modest cost of living. In Longview, the housing index is 7.6% higher than the national average.

Transportation: In situations where public transportation is limited or nonexistent, local residents may be required to own and maintain their own vehicles, contributing to an elevated cost of living. Monthly expenditures may encompass fuel costs, insurance premiums, routine vehicle upkeep and possibly lease or financing payments. In Longview, the transportation index is 12.3% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Longview cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Longview is 9% lower than the Washington average
  • The cost of living in Longview is 8% higher than the national average
  • Longview housing is 8% higher than the national average
  • Washington general sales tax is 27% higher than the national average
  • Washington state income tax is 100% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Longview

See all the best places to live around Longview

Compare Longview, WA Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$97,838$8,153$2,283$2,935
      Renters$48,366$4,031$1,128$1,451
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Longview, WA, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Longview have a median income of $97,838. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $2,283 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $48,366, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $1,128.

      Washington Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Washington 6.5% 10.4%

      Washington Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Washington 0% 0%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Deer Island, OR1081000.3%
      Clatskanie, OR2,2491032.5%
      Castle Rock, WA3,0181054.7%
      West Side Highway, WA5,8601055.1%
      Kelso, WA12,5121065.8%
      Longview, WA38,8841088.3%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Reynoldsburg, OH38,884973.2%
      Navarre, FL38,86411514.6%
      Park Ridge, IL38,85413635.8%
      Clinton, MD38,94412726.9%
      Atlantic City, NJ38,8101044.2%
      Longview, WA38,8841088.3%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.