Cost of Living in Kittitas County, Washington

$1,253/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$459,900

Median Home Value

4% above state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$1,253/mo

4% above state average

Median Home Value

$459,900

63% above national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

32.0%

% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating

Unaffordable

Rent over 50% of income

How Kittitas County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Kittitas County$1,253/mo

Washington Average$1,202/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$1,253/mo

Median Gross Rent

$459,900

Median Home Value

$1,483/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

32.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Kittitas County, Washington

Kittitas rents strain modest incomes

With a 21.5% rent-to-income ratio, Kittitas County exceeds both the national average and Washington's state average despite lower incomes of $69,928. Renters spend $1,253 monthly—far above the national median—making housing affordability a genuine challenge for most households.

Cascades county faces affordability crunch

Kittitas ranks among Washington's more strained counties with a 21.5% rent-to-income ratio well above the state average of 18.8%. The median rent of $1,253 is particularly burdensome given the county's median income of $69,928, the lowest among this peer group.

Stuck between city and countryside

Kittitas's $1,253 rent is higher than rural Okanogan ($868) or Klickitat ($1,119) yet below Puget Sound counties, reflecting its mountain-town character and Seattle commute appeal. Neighboring Yakima County offers comparable housing costs but more job diversity.

High burden on lower income

Renters dedicate 21.5% of the $69,928 median income to housing, while homeowners spend 25.4% on mortgage costs of $1,483. The median home value of $459,900 is steep for a county where incomes lag state and national levels.

Kittitas offers Cascades living

Despite affordability pressures, Kittitas offers mountain recreation and regional growth potential if you're willing to stretch your housing budget. Consider pairing relocation with remote work or Puget Sound commute opportunities to justify the cost premium over flatter, further-east alternatives.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Kittitas County

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Burden

21.5%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,632

per month

Owner Cost Burden

25.4%

of gross income

The median home in Kittitas County may be a stretch

Median home value is $459,900. Estimated monthly cost: $3,672 vs. your max of $1,632.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio21.5%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Kittitas County, Washington?

Kittitas County, Washington has a median monthly rent of $1,253/mo and a median home value of $459,900. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 32.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Kittitas County?

The median gross rent in Kittitas County is $1,253/mo. This is 4% above state average for Washington.

Is Kittitas County affordable?

Kittitas County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 32.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does Kittitas County's rent compare to the state average?

Kittitas County's median rent of $1,253/mo is 4% above state average of $1,202/mo for Washington.

What is the median home value in Kittitas County?

The median home value in Kittitas County, Washington is $459,900. This is 63% above the national median home value of $281,900.