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

Spokane

Washington
90
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Spokane is 46% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,141/mo ↓ 48%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 92%
$65,745/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 56%
$326,200 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 82%
$1,213/mo ↓ 46%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 84%
229,228
Population
119,985

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Spokane, WA and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,050/month cheaper in Spokane, saving renters about $12,600/year.

Median household income is $36,576/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Spokane is $326,200 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Spokane vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Spokane or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Spokane is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Spokane and Fairfield?
Median rent in Spokane is $1,141/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $1,050/month.
Which city has higher income, Spokane or Fairfield?
Median household income is $65,745 in Spokane and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $36,576/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Spokane has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,141/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Spokane details → View Fairfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Spokane and Fairfield

Spokane vs. Enterprise Spokane vs. Santa Clarita Spokane vs. Norfolk Spokane vs. Fremont Spokane vs. Arlington Spokane vs. Richmond Fairfield vs. Berkeley Fairfield vs. Hartford Fairfield vs. Ann Arbor Fairfield vs. West Palm Beach Fairfield vs. Lafayette Fairfield vs. Spring Hill