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

Spokane

Washington
90
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Spokane is 61% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,141/mo ↓ 52%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 110%
$65,745/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 67%
$326,200 ↓ 69%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 223%
$1,213/mo ↓ 51%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 103%
229,228
Population
110,538

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Spokane, WA and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,254/month cheaper in Spokane, saving renters about $15,048/year.

Median household income is $44,328/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Spokane is $326,200 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Spokane vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Spokane or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Spokane is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Spokane and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Spokane is $1,141/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,254/month.
Which city has higher income, Spokane or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $65,745 in Spokane and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $44,328/year higher in Costa Mesa.
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 Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Spokane has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,141/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Spokane details → View Costa Mesa details →

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