Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
36% cheaper
Spokane is 36% more affordable than Seattle. A $75,000 salary in Seattle is equivalent to $48,355 in Spokane.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Washington salaries · Washington salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Seattle has a housing index of 224 while Spokane sits at 94 (national average = 100). The median home in Seattle costs $750,000 compared to $310,000 in Spokane, a difference of $440,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,300 in Seattle versus $1,200 in Spokane.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Seattle scores 109 while Spokane scores 99.
Healthcare costs in Seattle (109) are higher than Spokane (102).
Median household income in Seattle is $97,185 compared to $48,834 in Spokane. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Spokane.
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