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

Spokane

Washington
90
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Spokane is 64% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,141/mo ↓ 46%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 86%
$65,745/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 65%
$326,200 ↓ 76%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 314%
$1,213/mo ↓ 48%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 93%
229,228
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Spokane, WA and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $986/month cheaper in Spokane, saving renters about $11,832/year.

Median household income is $42,813/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Spokane is $326,200 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Spokane residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Spokane vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Spokane or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Spokane is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Spokane and Berkeley?
Median rent in Spokane is $1,141/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $986/month.
Which city has higher income, Spokane or Berkeley?
Median household income is $65,745 in Spokane and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $42,813/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between Washington and California?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Spokane or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Spokane has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,141/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Spokane details → View Berkeley details →

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