Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
5% cheaper
Columbus is 5% more affordable than Spokane. A $75,000 salary in Spokane is equivalent to $71,173 in Columbus.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Ohio salaries · Washington salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Columbus has a housing index of 82 while Spokane sits at 94 (national average = 100). The median home in Columbus costs $240,000 compared to $310,000 in Spokane, a difference of $70,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Columbus versus $1,200 in Spokane.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Columbus scores 99 while Spokane scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Columbus (96) are lower than Spokane (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Columbus is $56,590 compared to $48,834 in Spokane. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Columbus.
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