Cost of living in Kelso, Washington

Kelso, Washington has about 12,684 people. That count is a 2020–2024 Census average, not a headcount from one day.

A typical home is worth about $337,600.

HUD's fair-market rent for a 2-bedroom in Cowlitz County is $1,398 a month. That is the county number, not an apartment listing in Kelso. It runs from October 2026 through September 2027.

In the Longview-Kelso, WA metro area, prices sit at 97.5 when the U.S. average is 100. That is a 2024 BEA index.

Washington does not tax wages. A typical combined sales tax is 9.5% as of January 1, 2026. That mix is statewide, not Kelso's exact store tax.

In July 2026, a typical Washington home paid 14.71¢ per kilowatt-hour. That is a state average from EIA, not Kelso's bill.

In 2025, all-grades gas in Washington averaged $4.23 a gallon. EIA prints this yearly price for only some states.

Among 355 places we list in Washington with a rent figure, 262 have higher typical rent than Kelso.