Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Spokane, WA (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Spokane

Washington
90

Seattle is 118% more expensive than Spokane.

$1,998/mo ↑ 75%
Median Rent
$1,141/mo ↓ 43%
$121,984/yr ↑ 86%
Median Income
$65,745/yr ↓ 46%
$912,100 ↑ 180%
Home Value
$326,200 ↓ 64%
$2,220/mo ↑ 83%
Owner Costs
$1,213/mo ↓ 45%
741,440
Population
229,228

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Spokane, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $857/month cheaper in Spokane, saving renters about $10,284/year.

Median household income is $56,239/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $326,200 in Spokane.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Washington.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Spokane — common questions

Is Seattle or Spokane cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Spokane is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Spokane?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Spokane it's $1,141/month — a difference of $857/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Spokane?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $65,745 in Spokane. Median household income is $56,239/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Washington?
Both cities are in Washington and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Spokane?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Spokane details →

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