Median rent is 43% lower in Spokane ($1,141/mo vs $1,998/mo). Buying is cheaper in Spokane, where the median home runs $326,200 versus $912,100. Households earn more in Seattle ($121,984 vs $65,745 a year). Taken together, Spokane is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 92.5 against 114.0 — about 19% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Seattle, WA.
Quick verdict
Spokane is 19% cheaper overall
Cost index: 92.5 in Spokane vs 114.0 in Seattle (US average = 100)
City A
Seattle, WA
City B
Spokane, WA
How much would you need to earn in Spokane, WA to maintain your standard of living from Seattle, WA?
Equivalent salary in Spokane, WA
$60,819
You could earn $14,181 less (19% 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
Seattle
Washington
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: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Spokane — median rent of $1,141/mo versus $1,998/mo in Seattle, a 43% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Seattle: the median home is $912,100 versus $326,200 in Spokane — 64% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Both Washington and Washington have no state income tax — a notable advantage for workers in both cities. Sales tax is 6.50% in Washington and 6.50% in Washington; Spokane has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Seattle
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.50%
Spokane
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.50%
Spokane has cleaner air on average: 19.0 AQI (Good) compared to 37.0 AQI (Good) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Spokane if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 92.5 vs 114.0).
Pick Seattle if you prioritize higher median household income ($121,984/yr).
Pick Spokane if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,141/mo median).
Pick Spokane if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 19.0).
Is Seattle cheaper than Spokane?
Spokane is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 92.5 versus 114.0 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 19% lower in Spokane.
How much is rent in Seattle vs Spokane?
Median rent is $1,998/mo in Seattle, WA and $1,141/mo in Spokane, WA. Spokane, WA has the lower rent by about 43%.
Which has higher salaries — Seattle or Spokane?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle, WA and $65,745 in Spokane, WA. Seattle, WA 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: 19.0 AQI versus 37.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Seattle or Spokane?
Both Washington and Washington have no state income tax.
What salary do I need in Spokane to match my Seattle income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Seattle, WA is equivalent to roughly $81,092 in Spokane, 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