Nampa vs Spokane
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Nampa
Spokane
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 7.1%, with Spokane being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Nampa has equivalent purchasing power to $70,000 in Spokane.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable
Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Nampa has the same purchasing power as $70,000 in Spokane.
Conversely, $75,000 in Spokane equals $80,357 in Nampa.
Living in Nampa vs Spokane
Housing Costs
Nampa's housing index of 104 is higher Spokane's 94, translating to median home prices of $371,000 vs $310,000. The $61,000 difference in home prices means roughly $3,960 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,500/mo in Nampa compared to $1,200/mo in Spokane, a monthly difference of $300.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 105 in Nampa and 99 in Spokane. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $499/month in Nampa vs $470/month in Spokane. Spokane offers a meaningful advantage on everyday food costs, saving roughly $348/year.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 83 in Nampa and 98 in Spokane. Monthly utility bills average approximately $332 in Nampa vs $392 in Spokane. Climate differences between the two cities drive much of this gap, with heating and cooling costs varying substantially by region.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 102 in Nampa and 102 in Spokane. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. Healthcare costs are relatively similar between these two cities, though individual plan costs can still vary.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $74,300 in Nampa and $48,834 in Spokane. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $70,762 and $49,831 respectively. Nampa residents enjoy stronger real purchasing power despite higher nominal wages.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,734/month to housing in Nampa vs $1,139/month in Spokane. In Nampa, median rent of $1,500/mo fits within this budget. In Spokane, median rent of $1,200/mo pushes past the recommended limit. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Utilities, where the gap is 15 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases