Cost of Living: Fresno, CA vs Spokane, WA (2026)

Fresno

California
101
VS

Spokane

Washington
90

Fresno is 12% more expensive than Spokane.

$1,324/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,141/mo ↓ 14%
$66,804/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$65,745/yr ↓ 2%
$348,500 ↑ 7%
Home Value
$326,200 ↓ 6%
$1,391/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,213/mo ↓ 13%
543,615
Population
229,228

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Spokane, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $183/month cheaper in Spokane, saving renters about $2,196/year.

Median household income is $1,059/year higher in Fresno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $326,200 in Spokane.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Spokane residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Spokane — common questions

Is Fresno or Spokane cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Spokane is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 101 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Spokane?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Spokane it's $1,141/month — a difference of $183/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Spokane?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $65,745 in Spokane. Median household income is $1,059/year higher in Fresno.
How do taxes compare between California and Washington?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Fresno or Spokane?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Spokane details →

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