Cost of Living: Spokane, WA vs Lakewood, CO (2026)

Spokane

Washington
90
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Spokane is 36% cheaper than Lakewood.

$1,141/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↑ 53%
$65,745/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↑ 30%
$326,200 ↓ 40%
Home Value
$548,200 ↑ 68%
$1,213/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↑ 43%
229,228
Population
156,309

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Spokane, WA and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $605/month cheaper in Spokane, saving renters about $7,260/year.

Median household income is $20,044/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Spokane is $326,200 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Spokane residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Spokane vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Spokane or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Spokane is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Spokane and Lakewood?
Median rent in Spokane is $1,141/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $605/month.
Which city has higher income, Spokane or Lakewood?
Median household income is $65,745 in Spokane and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $20,044/year higher in Lakewood.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Colorado?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Spokane or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Spokane has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,141/mo, while Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with rent of $1,746/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Spokane details → View Lakewood details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Spokane and Lakewood

Spokane vs. Enterprise Spokane vs. Santa Clarita Spokane vs. Norfolk Spokane vs. Fremont Spokane vs. Arlington Spokane vs. Richmond Lakewood vs. Macon Lakewood vs. Killeen Lakewood vs. Alexandria Lakewood vs. Kansas City Lakewood vs. Murfreesboro Lakewood vs. Springfield