Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
23% cheaper
Spokane is 23% more affordable than Sacramento. A $75,000 salary in Sacramento is equivalent to $57,422 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. Sacramento has a housing index of 163 while Spokane sits at 94 (national average = 100). The median home in Sacramento costs $450,000 compared to $310,000 in Spokane, a difference of $140,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Sacramento versus $1,200 in Spokane.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Sacramento scores 104 while Spokane scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Sacramento (106) are higher than Spokane (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Sacramento is $64,660 compared to $48,834 in Spokane. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Spokane.
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