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

Spokane

Washington
90
VS

San Bernardino

California
109

Spokane is 17% cheaper than San Bernardino.

$1,141/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,433/mo ↑ 26%
$65,745/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$63,988/yr ↓ 3%
$326,200 ↓ 15%
Home Value
$384,900 ↑ 18%
$1,213/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,478/mo ↑ 22%
229,228
Population
221,774

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
26.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Spokane, WA and San Bernardino, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 109 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $292/month cheaper in Spokane, saving renters about $3,504/year.

Median household income is $1,757/year higher in Spokane. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Spokane is $326,200 compared to $384,900 in San Bernardino.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Spokane vs San Bernardino — common questions

Is Spokane or San Bernardino cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Spokane is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Spokane and San Bernardino?
Median rent in Spokane is $1,141/month and in San Bernardino it's $1,433/month — a difference of $292/month.
Which city has higher income, Spokane or San Bernardino?
Median household income is $65,745 in Spokane and $63,988 in San Bernardino. Median household income is $1,757/year higher in Spokane.
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 San Bernardino?
It depends on your priorities. Spokane has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,141/mo, while San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with rent of $1,433/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Spokane details → View San Bernardino details →

More Comparisons

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