Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Spokane, WA (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Spokane

Washington
90

Chicago is 11% more expensive than Spokane.

$1,380/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,141/mo ↓ 17%
$75,134/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$65,745/yr ↓ 12%
$315,200 ↓ 3%
Home Value
$326,200 ↑ 3%
$1,502/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,213/mo ↓ 19%
2,707,648
Population
229,228

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Spokane, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $239/month cheaper in Spokane, saving renters about $2,868/year.

Median household income is $9,389/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $326,200 in Spokane.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Spokane residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Spokane — common questions

Is Chicago or Spokane cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Spokane is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Spokane?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Spokane it's $1,141/month — a difference of $239/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Spokane?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $65,745 in Spokane. Median household income is $9,389/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Washington?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Spokane?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Spokane has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,141/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chicago details → View Spokane details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chicago and Spokane

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