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Cost of Living in Fort Lewis

Is it better to rent or buy in Fort Lewis? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$59,086
$2,118/mo

Median in area: $2,118

$350,000

Median in area: $350,000

$70,000

If you Rent

$2,218 /mo
Base Rent$2,118
Est. Utilities$100
% of Income45.0%
Pre-tax Residual$2,706

If you Buy

$2,404 /mo
P&I (7.08%)$1,878
Taxes & Ins$426
Est. Utilities$100
% of Income48.8%
Pre-tax Residual$2,520

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Fort Lewis?

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Fort Lewis. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $2,218, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $2,404 per month (a difference of $186).

How much do utilities cost in Fort Lewis?

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Fort Lewis is approximately $100. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Fort Lewis?

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Fort Lewis without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $88,720 per year.