Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
5% cheaper
Spokane is 5% more affordable than Richmond. A $75,000 salary in Richmond is equivalent to $71,359 in Spokane.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Virginia salaries · Washington salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Richmond has a housing index of 108 while Spokane sits at 94 (national average = 100). The median home in Richmond costs $300,000 compared to $310,000 in Spokane, a difference of $10,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Richmond versus $1,200 in Spokane.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Richmond scores 100 while Spokane scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Richmond (100) are lower than Spokane (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Richmond is $50,120 compared to $48,834 in Spokane. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Spokane.
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