Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Spokane, WA (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Spokane

Washington
90

Portland is 53% more expensive than Spokane.

$1,596/mo ↑ 40%
Median Rent
$1,141/mo ↓ 29%
$88,792/yr ↑ 35%
Median Income
$65,745/yr ↓ 26%
$557,600 ↑ 71%
Home Value
$326,200 ↓ 41%
$1,771/mo ↑ 46%
Owner Costs
$1,213/mo ↓ 32%
642,715
Population
229,228

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
0%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Spokane, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $455/month cheaper in Spokane, saving renters about $5,460/year.

Median household income is $23,047/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $326,200 in Spokane.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Spokane residents a significant tax advantage over Oregon's 9.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Spokane — common questions

Is Portland or Spokane cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Spokane is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Spokane?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Spokane it's $1,141/month — a difference of $455/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Spokane?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $65,745 in Spokane. Median household income is $23,047/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Washington?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Spokane?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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 Portland details → View Spokane details →

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