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

Irvine

California
256
VS

Spokane

Washington
90

Irvine is 184% more expensive than Spokane.

$2,893/mo ↑ 154%
Median Rent
$1,141/mo ↓ 61%
$129,647/yr ↑ 97%
Median Income
$65,745/yr ↓ 49%
$1,115,400 ↑ 242%
Home Value
$326,200 ↓ 71%
$2,904/mo ↑ 139%
Owner Costs
$1,213/mo ↓ 58%
308,160
Population
229,228

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Spokane, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,752/month cheaper in Spokane, saving renters about $21,024/year.

Median household income is $63,902/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 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

Irvine vs Spokane — common questions

Is Irvine or Spokane cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Spokane is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and Spokane?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in Spokane it's $1,141/month — a difference of $1,752/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Spokane?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $65,745 in Spokane. Median household income is $63,902/year higher in Irvine.
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 Irvine or Spokane?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/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 Irvine details → View Spokane details →

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