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Cost of Living in Cle Elum, WA (98922)

Quick Financial Snapshot

Hourly Living Wage$17.93 / hrBased on 2,080 hrs/yr
Target 50/30/20 Salary$74,616 / yrTo live comfortably
Family of 4 Monthly Cost$6,716 / mo2.2x single adult baseline

Executive Financial Report: Cle Elum (98922)

Evaluating relocation options in Kittitas? The financial baseline for residing in Cle Elum, WA (98922) indicates that a single adult needs roughly $3,109 monthly to cover basic survival expenses.

With typical rent and housing utilities averaging an affordable $642 per month—just 21% of baseline expenses—Cle Elum offers exceptionally competitive shelter costs compared to wider metropolitan averages across Washington.

To maintain sustainable financial health in Cle Elum (98922) using the popular 50/30/20 budgeting framework, your essential living expenses ($3,109/month) should not exceed 50% of your net take-home pay. Consequently, an individual needs a target gross annual salary of approximately $74,616 to cover necessities while building savings. On an hourly basis, working a standard 2,080-hour work year requires a minimum hourly living wage of $17.93/hour just to meet basic survival costs.

For a family of four (2 adults and 2 children), basic monthly expenditures in Cle Elum increase to $6,716 per month ($80,592/year)—approximately 2.2x higher than the single-adult baseline. Childcare premiums and multi-bedroom housing represent the largest contributors to this family budget increase. Compared against the area median family income of $79,300, local wages provide a 2.13x coverage ratio relative to single-adult baseline expenses.

Commuting and transit expenses average $1,009 monthly in 98922, coupled with $345 in healthcare baselines. Tax obligations consume $410 monthly. Favorable state tax policies in WA help offset federal tax liabilities. Use our interactive tools below to adjust these benchmarks for your specific situation.

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Recalculate costs based on your family size

Total Monthly Cost$3,109Est. $37,302 / year
Housing / Rent$64220.6% of monthly budget
Food & Groceries$345Essential food benchmarks
Area Median Income$79,300Annual household average

Expense Distribution

Detailed Monthly Breakdown

Housing$642
Food$345
Transportation$1,009
Healthcare$345
Taxes$410
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Frequently Asked Questions

Living Cost FAQs for Cle Elum (98922)

Q: What is the minimum hourly living wage required in Cle Elum, WA (98922)?

To cover essential living costs without financial distress, a full-time worker (2,080 hours/year) in Cle Elum (98922) requires a minimum hourly living wage of $17.93/hour.

Q: How much salary do I need to live comfortably in Cle Elum (98922)?

Following the 50/30/20 budgeting rule (where necessities consume 50% of net income), a single adult needs a target gross annual salary of roughly $74,616 to live comfortably in Cle Elum (98922).

Q: What is the monthly cost of living for a family of four in Cle Elum (98922)?

Estimated baseline monthly living expenses for a family of four (2 adults, 2 children) in Cle Elum (98922) are $6,716 per month ($80,592 per year).