Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
4% cheaper
Spokane is 4% more affordable than Raleigh. A $75,000 salary in Raleigh is equivalent to $72,059 in Spokane.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · Washington salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Raleigh has a housing index of 107 while Spokane sits at 94 (national average = 100). The median home in Raleigh costs $370,000 compared to $310,000 in Spokane, a difference of $60,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Raleigh versus $1,200 in Spokane.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Raleigh scores 100 while Spokane scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Raleigh (108) are higher than Spokane (102).
Median household income in Raleigh is $67,266 compared to $48,834 in Spokane. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Spokane.
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