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

Long Beach

California
169
VS

Spokane

Washington
90

Long Beach is 88% more expensive than Spokane.

$1,803/mo ↑ 58%
Median Rent
$1,141/mo ↓ 37%
$83,969/yr ↑ 28%
Median Income
$65,745/yr ↓ 22%
$762,200 ↑ 134%
Home Value
$326,200 ↓ 57%
$1,890/mo ↑ 56%
Owner Costs
$1,213/mo ↓ 36%
458,491
Population
229,228

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Spokane, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $662/month cheaper in Spokane, saving renters about $7,944/year.

Median household income is $18,224/year higher in Long Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 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

Long Beach vs Spokane — common questions

Is Long Beach or Spokane cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Spokane is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Spokane?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Spokane it's $1,141/month — a difference of $662/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Spokane?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $65,745 in Spokane. Median household income is $18,224/year higher in Long Beach.
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 Long Beach or Spokane?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/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 Long Beach details → View Spokane details →

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