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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Spokane

Washington
90

Sacramento is 47% more expensive than Spokane.

$1,694/mo ↑ 48%
Median Rent
$1,141/mo ↓ 33%
$83,753/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$65,745/yr ↓ 22%
$484,600 ↑ 49%
Home Value
$326,200 ↓ 33%
$1,752/mo ↑ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,213/mo ↓ 31%
524,802
Population
229,228

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Spokane, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $553/month cheaper in Spokane, saving renters about $6,636/year.

Median household income is $18,008/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 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

Sacramento vs Spokane — common questions

Is Sacramento or Spokane cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Spokane is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Spokane?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Spokane it's $1,141/month — a difference of $553/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Spokane?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $65,745 in Spokane. Median household income is $18,008/year higher in Sacramento.
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 Sacramento or Spokane?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View Spokane details →

More Comparisons

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