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

Oakland

California
195
VS

Spokane

Washington
90

Oakland is 117% more expensive than Spokane.

$1,917/mo ↑ 68%
Median Rent
$1,141/mo ↓ 40%
$97,369/yr ↑ 48%
Median Income
$65,745/yr ↓ 32%
$924,700 ↑ 183%
Home Value
$326,200 ↓ 65%
$2,164/mo ↑ 78%
Owner Costs
$1,213/mo ↓ 44%
438,072
Population
229,228

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Spokane, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $776/month cheaper in Spokane, saving renters about $9,312/year.

Median household income is $31,624/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 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

Oakland vs Spokane — common questions

Is Oakland or Spokane cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Spokane is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and Spokane?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in Spokane it's $1,141/month — a difference of $776/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Spokane?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $65,745 in Spokane. Median household income is $31,624/year higher in Oakland.
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 Oakland or Spokane?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/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 Oakland details → View Spokane details →

More Comparisons

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