Cost of Living in Yelm, WA

Get 300+ Local Insights for Any Address in Yelm, WA

Get Access to 300+ Local Data Points
C-
21%
Overall NAT. AVG.
6%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
47%
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 Yelm Washington National
Cost of living121119100
Groceries106107100
Health care111109100
Housing147138100
Transportation109112100
Utilities108110100
Lifestyle & Entertainment109112100
Household Items107107100
Education & Childcare118117100
Does this Area Fit Your Budget? Local Insights Report
  • Know the community before you call it home
  • Compare multiple areas side by side
  • Access over 300 data points for any address
Local Insights Report

Homes For Sale In Yelm, WA

property for sale

17827 Upland Dr SE

Yelm, WA
property for sale

14703 88th Ave SE #22

Yelm, WA
property for sale

8504 Mahonia Ct SE

Yelm, WA
property for sale

16602 Greenleaf Ave SE

Yelm, WA
See the Newest Homes For Sale In Yelm, WA

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Yelm is 2% higher than the Washington average
  • The cost of living in Yelm is 21% higher than the national average
  • Yelm housing is 47% 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 Yelm

See all the best places to live around Yelm

Compare Yelm, WA Cost of Living

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs
      How would you rate the cost of living in Yelm?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Is the cost of living increasing or decreasing in Yelm?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all Yelm poll results

      The best places in Washington

      Here are the best places to live in WashingtonThese are the largest cities in WashingtonMost Dangerous Cities In The USSafest States In The US
      Best Places in Washington

      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
      Household index
      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$127,417$10,618$2,973$3,823
      Renters$75,766$6,314$1,768$2,273
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Yelm, WA, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Yelm, the median monthly income is $127,417 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $2,973 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $75,766, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $1,768 on monthly rental expenses.

      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.
      Ketron Island, WA011010.2%
      Bucoda, WA6311032.6%
      North Yelm, WA3,8471066.3%
      Tenino, WA1,8071098.6%
      Nisqually Indian Community, WA60311212.1%
      Yelm, WA9,45912120.8%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Madeira, OH9,45611717.4%
      Lugoff, SC9,454945.6%
      Columbia City, IN9,464909.8%
      Economy, PA9,4651011.2%
      Highland Park, TX9,451258158.3%
      Yelm, WA9,45912120.8%
      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.
      General
      For Professionals
      Follow Us
      AV on Twitter AV on Facebook
      © AreaVibes Inc. 2010-2026