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

Spokane

Washington
90
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Spokane is 34% cheaper than Santa Maria.

$1,141/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 61%
$65,745/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↑ 29%
$326,200 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$478,200 ↑ 47%
$1,213/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↑ 47%
229,228
Population
109,880

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Spokane, WA and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $701/month cheaper in Spokane, saving renters about $8,412/year.

Median household income is $18,872/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Spokane is $326,200 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Spokane vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Spokane or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Spokane is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Spokane and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Spokane is $1,141/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $701/month.
Which city has higher income, Spokane or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $65,745 in Spokane and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $18,872/year higher in Santa Maria.
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 Santa Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Spokane has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,141/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Spokane details → View Santa Maria details →

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