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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Spokane

Washington
90

Los Angeles is 108% more expensive than Spokane.

$1,879/mo ↑ 65%
Median Rent
$1,141/mo ↓ 39%
$80,366/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$65,745/yr ↓ 18%
$879,500 ↑ 170%
Home Value
$326,200 ↓ 63%
$2,055/mo ↑ 69%
Owner Costs
$1,213/mo ↓ 41%
3,857,897
Population
229,228

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Spokane, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $738/month cheaper in Spokane, saving renters about $8,856/year.

Median household income is $14,621/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 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

Los Angeles vs Spokane — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Spokane cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Spokane is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Spokane?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Spokane it's $1,141/month — a difference of $738/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Spokane?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $65,745 in Spokane. Median household income is $14,621/year higher in Los Angeles.
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 Los Angeles or Spokane?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Spokane details →

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