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

Spokane

Washington
90
VS

Ontario

California
152

Spokane is 41% cheaper than Ontario.

$1,141/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$1,916/mo ↑ 68%
$65,745/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$82,806/yr ↑ 26%
$326,200 ↓ 43%
Home Value
$568,000 ↑ 74%
$1,213/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,967/mo ↑ 62%
229,228
Population
178,347

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
27.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Spokane, WA and Ontario, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $775/month cheaper in Spokane, saving renters about $9,300/year.

Median household income is $17,061/year higher in Ontario. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Spokane is $326,200 compared to $568,000 in Ontario.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Spokane vs Ontario — common questions

Is Spokane or Ontario cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Spokane is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Spokane and Ontario?
Median rent in Spokane is $1,141/month and in Ontario it's $1,916/month — a difference of $775/month.
Which city has higher income, Spokane or Ontario?
Median household income is $65,745 in Spokane and $82,806 in Ontario. Median household income is $17,061/year higher in Ontario.
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 Ontario?
It depends on your priorities. Spokane has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,141/mo, while Ontario has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Spokane details → View Ontario details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Spokane and Ontario

Spokane vs. Enterprise Spokane vs. Santa Clarita Spokane vs. Norfolk Spokane vs. Fremont Spokane vs. Arlington Spokane vs. Richmond Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa