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Longview-Kelso, WA

Cost of living in Cowlitz County, WA

Part of the Longview Metro Area

Estimated monthly cost
$3,101/mo
for a single person, all categories combined

Population 111,539 · Last updated May 21, 2026

Cost breakdown

Single person, by category, per month.

Rent $1,186 38%
Federal tax $529 17%
Healthcare $480 15%
Groceries $369 12%
Transport $320 10%
Energy $157 5%
Water $60 2%
State tax $0 0%

Rent in Cowlitz County

Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Studio
$963
per month
1 bedroom
$1,186
per month
2 bedroom
$1,404
per month
3 bedroom
$1,967
per month
4 bedroom
$2,358
per month

Source: HUD FMR FY2025

Income and earnings in Cowlitz County

Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.

Household income
$72,932
per year
Individual earnings
$42,405
per year
Per capita
$36,520
per year

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.

Home values in Cowlitz County

Average values reported by homeowners.

Average home value
$367,400
Annual property tax
$2,988

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year

Energy costs in Cowlitz County

Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.

Electricity
$109
per month · 11.5¢/kWh
Natural gas
$48
per month
Annual total
$1,884
per year

Source: EIA

Healthcare in Cowlitz County

Insurance premiums and coverage rates.

Individual premium
$480
per month
Family premium
$1,350
per month
Uninsured rate
6.1%

Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.

Taxes in Cowlitz County

State and local tax rates for Washington.

No state income tax
Washington does not levy a personal income tax.
State sales tax
6.5%
Combined sales tax
10.2%
incl. average local

Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.

Transportation in Cowlitz County

Commute patterns and estimated costs.

Average commute
26.5 min
Drive alone
82.6%
Public transit
0.5%
Work from home
7.3%

Source: ACS

Monthly cost estimates for Cowlitz County

What it costs to live in Cowlitz County each month.

Single person
$3,101
per month
  • Rent $1,186
  • Energy $157
  • Water $60
  • Groceries $369
  • Transport $320
  • Healthcare $480
  • Federal tax $529
  • State tax $0
Couple
$4,421
per month
  • Rent $1,404
  • Energy $188
  • Water $70
  • Groceries $611
  • Transport $420
  • Healthcare $864
  • Federal tax $864
  • State tax $0
Family
$7,150
per month
  • Rent $1,967
  • Energy $236
  • Water $85
  • Groceries $928
  • Transport $520
  • Healthcare $1,350
  • Childcare $1,200
  • Federal tax $864
  • State tax $0

Frequently asked questions about Cowlitz County

Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.

What is the average rent in Cowlitz County?

In Cowlitz County, WA, a one-bedroom apartment averages $1,186 per month, a two-bedroom averages $1,404 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,967 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.

What is the average salary in Cowlitz County?

In Cowlitz County, WA, the average household income is $72,932 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $42,405 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

What is the cost of living in Cowlitz County?

The estimated cost of living in Cowlitz County, WA is approximately $3,101 per month for a single person, $4,421 for a couple, $7,150 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.

What is the sales tax rate in Cowlitz County?

The combined sales tax rate in Cowlitz County, WA is 10.23%, which includes the Washington state rate of 6.50% plus an average local rate of 3.73%.

Is Cowlitz County an affordable place to live?

Based on the data, a single person in Cowlitz County, WA would need approximately $3,101 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $72,932 per year ($6,078 per month). Cowlitz County has a moderate cost of living relative to local earnings.

How much does healthcare cost in Cowlitz County?

The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Cowlitz County, WA is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 6.1% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.

What are house prices in Cowlitz County?

The average home value in Cowlitz County, WA is $367,400, with average annual property taxes of $2,988, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

How does Cowlitz County compare to other areas?

You can compare Cowlitz County, WA with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Cowlitz County is in the Longview-Kelso, WA metro area.

Other counties in Washington

Browse the full list of counties in Washington, ranked by cost of living.

See all counties in Washington

Compare Cowlitz County with another area

Put two counties side by side to see how rent, taxes and everyday costs stack up.

About this data

All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.

  • HUD FMR FY2025
  • ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
  • EIA
  • ACS + national avg
  • ACS
  • USDA + BEA RPP
Methodology All data sources