Median rent is 34% lower in Spokane Valley ($1,247/mo vs $1,879/mo). Buying is cheaper in Spokane Valley, where the median home runs $344,300 versus $879,500. Households earn more in Los Angeles ($80,366 vs $70,722 a year). Taken together, Spokane Valley is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 92.5 against 113.3 — about 18% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Spokane Valley, WA.
Quick verdict
Spokane Valley is 18% cheaper overall
Cost index: 92.5 in Spokane Valley vs 113.3 in Los Angeles (US average = 100)
City A
Los Angeles, CA
City B
Spokane Valley, WA
How much would you need to earn in Spokane Valley, WA to maintain your standard of living from Los Angeles, CA?
Equivalent salary in Spokane Valley, WA
$61,201
You could earn $13,799 less (18% 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
Los Angeles
California
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
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Spokane Valley — median rent of $1,247/mo versus $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, a 34% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Los Angeles: the median home is $879,500 versus $344,300 in Spokane Valley — 61% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Washington has no state income tax, while California tops out at 13.30% — giving Spokane Valley a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 7.25% in California and 6.50% in Washington; Spokane Valley has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Los Angeles
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Spokane Valley
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.50%
Air quality data is available for Los Angeles (avg AQI 77.0) but not yet for Spokane Valley.
Pick Spokane Valley if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 92.5 vs 113.3).
Pick Los Angeles if you prioritize higher median household income ($80,366/yr).
Pick Spokane Valley if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,247/mo median).
Pick Spokane Valley if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Los Angeles cheaper than Spokane Valley?
Spokane Valley is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 92.5 versus 113.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 18% lower in Spokane Valley.
How much is rent in Los Angeles vs Spokane Valley?
Median rent is $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, CA and $1,247/mo in Spokane Valley, WA. Spokane Valley, WA has the lower rent by about 34%.
Which has higher salaries — Los Angeles or Spokane Valley?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles, CA and $70,722 in Spokane Valley, WA. Los Angeles, CA 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 — Los Angeles or Spokane Valley?
Washington has no state income tax. California has a top rate of 13.30%.
What salary do I need in Spokane Valley to match my Los Angeles income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Los Angeles, CA is equivalent to roughly $81,601 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