Cost of Living: Spokane, WA vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Spokane

Washington
90
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Spokane is 31% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,141/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 50%
$65,745/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 50%
$326,200 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 49%
$1,213/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 32%
229,228
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.8%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Spokane, WA and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $573/month cheaper in Spokane, saving renters about $6,876/year.

Median household income is $32,941/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Spokane is $326,200 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Spokane residents a significant tax advantage over Idaho's 5.8% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Spokane vs Meridian — common questions

Is Spokane or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Spokane is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Spokane and Meridian?
Median rent in Spokane is $1,141/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $573/month.
Which city has higher income, Spokane or Meridian?
Median household income is $65,745 in Spokane and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $32,941/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Idaho?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Spokane or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Spokane has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,141/mo, while Meridian has a cost index of 131 with rent of $1,714/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Spokane details → View Meridian details →

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