Can A Welder Afford Rent in Kelso, WA?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 30.6% of gross income.
Kelso rent: September 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Washington state estimate).
About rent and a welder salary
Welder pay tracks the US median household income closely. Pipeline and underwater welders earn materially more. At the national-average welder salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,285 a month in rent.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Washington cities have lower median rent than Kelso, which improves the affordability math on a welder salary:
Compare with full rent data for Kelso
View full rent data for Kelso, WA →Frequently asked questions
Can a welder afford rent in Kelso, WA?
Median rent in Kelso is $1,469 a month. A typical welder in Washington earns about $57,579 a year, which makes that rent 30.6% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a welder afford in Kelso?
Using the 30% rule, a welder salary in Washington (~$57,579/yr) supports up to $1,439 a month in rent. Kelso's current median rent is $1,469/mo, which is $30/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a welder work to cover rent in Kelso?
At an hourly equivalent of about $28 an hour, a welder in Washington works roughly 53.1 hours a month to cover Kelso's median rent of $1,469.
Where is rent cheaper than Kelso for a welder?
Nearby Washington cities with lower median rent include Moses Lake ($1,468/mo), University Place ($1,467/mo), Chehalis ($1,465/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a welder salary.