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

Riverside

California
144
VS

Spokane

Washington
90

Riverside is 60% more expensive than Spokane.

$1,812/mo ↑ 59%
Median Rent
$1,141/mo ↓ 37%
$88,575/yr ↑ 35%
Median Income
$65,745/yr ↓ 26%
$542,100 ↑ 66%
Home Value
$326,200 ↓ 40%
$1,880/mo ↑ 55%
Owner Costs
$1,213/mo ↓ 35%
316,241
Population
229,228

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Riverside, CA and Spokane, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $671/month cheaper in Spokane, saving renters about $8,052/year.

Median household income is $22,830/year higher in Riverside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Riverside is $542,100 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

Riverside vs Spokane — common questions

Is Riverside or Spokane cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Spokane is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Riverside and Spokane?
Median rent in Riverside is $1,812/month and in Spokane it's $1,141/month — a difference of $671/month.
Which city has higher income, Riverside or Spokane?
Median household income is $88,575 in Riverside and $65,745 in Spokane. Median household income is $22,830/year higher in Riverside.
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 Riverside or Spokane?
It depends on your priorities. Riverside has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $1,812/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 Riverside details → View Spokane details →

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