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

Spokane

Washington
90
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Spokane is 59% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,141/mo ↓ 49%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 94%
$65,745/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 58%
$326,200 ↓ 69%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 220%
$1,213/mo ↓ 48%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 93%
229,228
Population
136,462

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Spokane, WA and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,077/month cheaper in Spokane, saving renters about $12,924/year.

Median household income is $38,033/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Spokane is $326,200 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Spokane vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Spokane or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Spokane is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Spokane and Pasadena?
Median rent in Spokane is $1,141/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $1,077/month.
Which city has higher income, Spokane or Pasadena?
Median household income is $65,745 in Spokane and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $38,033/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Spokane has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,141/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Spokane details → View Pasadena details →

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