Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
8% cheaper
Spokane is 8% more affordable than Tempe. A $75,000 salary in Tempe is equivalent to $69,340 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 · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Spokane has a housing index of 94 while Tempe sits at 114 (national average = 100). The median home in Spokane costs $310,000 compared to $400,000 in Tempe, a difference of $90,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Spokane versus $1,600 in Tempe.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Spokane scores 99 while Tempe scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Spokane (102) are higher than Tempe (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Spokane is $48,834 compared to $56,068 in Tempe. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Spokane.
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