Cost of Living in Spokane, WA
Spokane costs about the same as the national average.
What Things Cost
Compared to the US average (100)
Census ACS 2024
Census ACS 2024
BEA RPP 2023
BEA RPP 2023
Spokane at a Glance
No state income tax. That saves a typical household thousands per year compared to states like California (13.3%) or New York (10.9%).
Sources: Census ACS 2024, Tax Foundation.
Spokane is Washington's second city and the most affordable way to get the state's zero-income-tax advantage. Sitting on the eastern side of the Cascades, Spokane has a completely different climate from Seattle: drier, sunnier, with four distinct seasons. The cost of living is about 8.5% below the national average, and the median home price of roughly $350,000 is less than half of Seattle's. For remote workers who want Washington's tax advantage without Seattle's housing costs, Spokane has become increasingly popular.
How People Get Around
Source: Census ACS 2024.
Who Lives Here
Source: Census ACS 2024.
Why People Move to Spokane
The outdoor recreation is the lifestyle draw. Skiing and snowboarding within 30 minutes (Mt. Spokane, 49 Degrees North). Lakes and rivers for summer recreation. The Centennial Trail runs 37 miles for biking and walking. A revitalized downtown with restaurants and craft breweries. Gonzaga University adds collegiate energy (and March Madness excitement). Healthcare (Providence, MultiCare) is the largest employment sector.
Neighborhoods
South Hill is the established residential area with character. The Perry District has become a walkable dining strip. Browne's Addition near downtown has historic homes. The South Perry neighborhood is eclectic. For affordable options, the North Side and the Valley offer lower prices. Coeur d'Alene, Idaho (30 minutes east) is a scenic lakefront alternative that has become expensive itself.
Things to Consider
Spokane is smaller (220,000 city, 580,000 metro) and more conservative than Seattle. The cultural scene is developing but thin compared to the west side of the state. Winter is genuinely cold with significant snowfall. Wildfire smoke in late summer has become a growing concern. The job market is healthcare-dominated and narrower than Seattle. The driving distance to Seattle (4.5 hours) means you are choosing a different region, not just a cheaper suburb.
Compare Spokane To...
Frequently Asked Questions About Spokane
For the right person, absolutely. You get Washington's zero income tax, outdoor recreation comparable to Seattle's (different but equally strong), and a median home price that is less than half of Seattle's. You give up Seattle's cultural depth, job market diversity, and urban walkability. For remote workers earning Seattle salaries, Spokane provides the same tax advantage with dramatically lower housing costs.
Colder than Seattle but not as extreme as the Midwest. January averages about 34°F high and 22°F low. Snowfall averages about 45 inches per year. The cold season runs November through March. It is genuinely winter weather that requires preparation, but the four-season cycle also means crisp fall colors and warm, dry summers that Western Washington does not get.
Healthcare is the dominant sector, with Providence and MultiCare being the largest employers. Gonzaga University, the school district, and state government provide additional stability. The tech sector is small but growing. For remote workers, the job market matters less than for those seeking local employment. If you need a local job, healthcare and education are your best bets.