Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
39% cheaper
Spokane is 39% more affordable than San Diego. A $75,000 salary in San Diego is equivalent to $45,938 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. San Diego has a housing index of 248 while Spokane sits at 94 (national average = 100). The median home in San Diego costs $800,000 compared to $310,000 in Spokane, a difference of $490,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,500 in San Diego versus $1,200 in Spokane.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: San Diego scores 107 while Spokane scores 99.
Healthcare costs in San Diego (107) are higher than Spokane (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in San Diego is $79,646 compared to $48,834 in Spokane. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Spokane.
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