Spokane, WA vs Santa Rosa, CA: 90 vs 172

$1,141/mo ↓ 45%

Median Rent

$2,084/mo ↑ 83%

$65,745/yr ↓ 33%

Median Income

$97,410/yr ↑ 48%

$326,200 ↓ 52%

Home Value

$685,000 ↑ 110%

$1,213/mo ↓ 43%

Owner Costs

$2,130/mo ↑ 76%

229,228

Population

177,216

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Spokane, WA and Santa Rosa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $943/month cheaper in Spokane, saving renters about $11,316/year.

Median household income is $31,665/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Spokane is $326,200 compared to $685,000 in Santa Rosa.

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 Rosa — common questions

Is Spokane or Santa Rosa cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Spokane is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 172 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Spokane and Santa Rosa?

Median rent in Spokane is $1,141/month and in Santa Rosa it's $2,084/month — a difference of $943/month.

Which city has higher income, Spokane or Santa Rosa?

Median household income is $65,745 in Spokane and $97,410 in Santa Rosa. Median household income is $31,665/year higher in Santa Rosa.

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 Rosa?

It depends on your priorities. Spokane has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,141/mo, while Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with rent of $2,084/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

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

Spokane

Santa Rosa

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

More Comparisons