Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
8% cheaper
Spokane is 8% more affordable than Fresno. A $75,000 salary in Fresno is equivalent to $68,692 in Spokane.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: California salaries · Washington salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Fresno has a housing index of 111 while Spokane sits at 94 (national average = 100). The median home in Fresno costs $330,000 compared to $310,000 in Spokane, a difference of $20,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,300 in Fresno versus $1,200 in Spokane.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Fresno scores 101 while Spokane scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Fresno (100) are lower than Spokane (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Fresno is $53,838 compared to $48,834 in Spokane. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Spokane.
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