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

Spokane

Washington
90
VS

Downey

California
169

Spokane is 47% cheaper than Downey.

$1,141/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 66%
$65,745/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 33%
$326,200 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 123%
$1,213/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 65%
229,228
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Spokane, WA and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $751/month cheaper in Spokane, saving renters about $9,012/year.

Median household income is $21,655/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Spokane is $326,200 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Spokane vs Downey — common questions

Is Spokane or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Spokane is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Spokane and Downey?
Median rent in Spokane is $1,141/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $751/month.
Which city has higher income, Spokane or Downey?
Median household income is $65,745 in Spokane and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $21,655/year higher in Downey.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Spokane has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,141/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Spokane details → View Downey details →

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