Median rent is 37% lower in Spokane ($1,215/mo vs $1,914/mo). Buying is cheaper in Spokane, where the median home runs $363,500 versus $584,800. Households earn more in Riverside ($91,045 vs $70,064 a year). Taken together, Spokane is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 92.4 against 107.3 — about 14% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Riverside, CA.
Cost of living verdict
Spokane is 14% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 92.4 in Spokane vs 107.3 in Riverside (US national average = 100)
City A
Riverside, CA
City B
Spokane, WA
How much would you need to earn in Spokane, WA to maintain your standard of living from Riverside, CA?
Equivalent salary in Spokane, WA
$64,546
You could earn $10,454 less (14% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each metro area. This estimates overall purchasing power; it does not account for taxes or take-home pay differences.
Metric
Riverside
California
Spokane
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: Census ACS, BEA, HUD Fair Market Rents, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Spokane — median rent of $1,215/mo versus $1,914/mo in Riverside, a 37% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Riverside: the median home is $584,800 versus $363,500 in Spokane — 38% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Riverside
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Spokane
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Spokane has cleaner air on average: 52.0 AQI (Moderate) compared to 65.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Spokane if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 92.4 vs 107.3).
Pick Riverside if you prioritize higher median household income ($91,045/yr).
Pick Spokane if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,215/mo median).
Pick Spokane if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 52.0).
Is Riverside cheaper than Spokane?
Spokane is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 92.4 versus 107.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 14% lower in Spokane.
How much is rent in Riverside vs Spokane?
Median rent is $1,914/mo in Riverside, CA and $1,215/mo in Spokane, WA. Spokane, WA has the lower rent by about 37%.
Which has higher salaries — Riverside or Spokane?
Median household income is $91,045 in Riverside, CA and $70,064 in Spokane, WA. Riverside, 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?
Spokane, WA has better air quality on average: 52.0 AQI versus 65.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Riverside or Spokane?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Spokane to match my Riverside income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Riverside, CA is equivalent to roughly $86,061 in Spokane, WA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
