Median rent is 10% lower in Spokane Valley ($1,247/mo vs $1,380/mo). Buying is cheaper in Chicago, where the median home runs $315,200 versus $344,300. Households earn more in Chicago ($75,134 vs $70,722 a year). Taken together, Spokane Valley is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 92.5 against 105.7 — about 13% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Spokane Valley, WA.
Quick verdict
Spokane Valley is 13% cheaper overall
Cost index: 92.5 in Spokane Valley vs 105.7 in Chicago (US average = 100)
City A
Chicago, IL
City B
Spokane Valley, WA
How much would you need to earn in Spokane Valley, WA to maintain your standard of living from Chicago, IL?
Equivalent salary in Spokane Valley, WA
$65,602
You could earn $9,398 less (13% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Chicago
Illinois
Spokane Valley
Washington
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rent is modestly lower in Spokane Valley at $1,247/mo compared to $1,380/mo in Chicago (10% gap). Median home values are within 8% of each other: $315,200 in Chicago and $344,300 in Spokane Valley.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Washington has no state income tax, while Illinois tops out at 4.95% — giving Spokane Valley a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Illinois and 6.50% in Washington; Chicago has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Spokane Valley
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.50%
Air quality data is available for Chicago (avg AQI 21.0) but not yet for Spokane Valley.
Pick Spokane Valley if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 92.5 vs 105.7).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize higher median household income ($75,134/yr).
Pick Spokane Valley if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Chicago cheaper than Spokane Valley?
Spokane Valley is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 92.5 versus 105.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 13% lower in Spokane Valley.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Spokane Valley?
Median rent is $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL and $1,247/mo in Spokane Valley, WA. Spokane Valley, WA has the lower rent by about 10%.
Which has higher salaries — Chicago or Spokane Valley?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago, IL and $70,722 in Spokane Valley, WA. Chicago, IL has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Chicago or Spokane Valley?
Washington has no state income tax. Illinois has a top rate of 4.95%.
What salary do I need in Spokane Valley to match my Chicago income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Chicago, IL is equivalent to roughly $87,470 in Spokane Valley, WA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology