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

Spokane

Washington
90
VS

Modesto

California
120

Spokane is 25% cheaper than Modesto.

$1,141/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↑ 41%
$65,745/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↑ 18%
$326,200 ↓ 22%
Home Value
$415,600 ↑ 27%
$1,213/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↑ 33%
229,228
Population
218,614

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
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Spokane, WA and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $468/month cheaper in Spokane, saving renters about $5,616/year.

Median household income is $12,154/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Spokane is $326,200 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Spokane vs Modesto — common questions

Is Spokane or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Spokane is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Spokane and Modesto?
Median rent in Spokane is $1,141/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $468/month.
Which city has higher income, Spokane or Modesto?
Median household income is $65,745 in Spokane and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $12,154/year higher in Modesto.
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 Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Spokane has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,141/mo, while Modesto has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,609/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Spokane details → View Modesto details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Spokane and Modesto

Spokane vs. Enterprise Spokane vs. Santa Clarita Spokane vs. Norfolk Spokane vs. Fremont Spokane vs. Arlington Spokane vs. Richmond Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley