Median rent is 9% lower in Spokane ($1,141/mo vs $1,247/mo). Buying is cheaper in Spokane, where the median home runs $326,200 versus $344,300. Households earn more in Spokane Valley ($70,722 vs $65,745 a year). Overall, the two cities have a nearly identical cost of living index (92.5).
City A
Spokane Valley, WA
City B
Spokane, WA
How much would you need to earn in Spokane, WA to maintain your standard of living from Spokane Valley, WA?
Equivalent salary in Spokane, WA
$75,000
Costs are about the same in both cities.
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
Spokane Valley
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
Median rent is modestly lower in Spokane at $1,141/mo compared to $1,247/mo in Spokane Valley (9% gap). Median home values are within 5% of each other: $344,300 in Spokane Valley and $326,200 in Spokane.
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).
Spokane Valley
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.50%
Spokane
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.50%
Air quality data is available for Spokane (avg AQI 19.0) but not yet for Spokane Valley.
Pick Spokane Valley if you prioritize higher median household income ($70,722/yr).
Is Spokane Valley cheaper than Spokane?
Spokane Valley is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 92.5 versus 92.5 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Spokane Valley.
How much is rent in Spokane Valley vs Spokane?
Median rent is $1,247/mo in Spokane Valley, WA and $1,141/mo in Spokane, WA. Spokane, WA has the lower rent by about 9%.
Which has higher salaries — Spokane Valley or Spokane?
Median household income is $70,722 in Spokane Valley, WA and $65,745 in Spokane, WA. Spokane Valley, 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?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Spokane Valley or Spokane?
Both Washington and Washington have no state income tax.
What salary do I need in Spokane to match my Spokane Valley income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Spokane Valley, WA is equivalent to roughly $100,000 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