Spokane's 2026 cost of living is $2423 per month for singles and $5335 per month for families of four.
Living costs in Spokane are 2% lower than the U.S. national average and 118% lower than Washington's state average.
This reflects a 3% increase from 2025.
The primary drivers of Spokane's cost of living are soaring housing costs, elevated transportation expenses, and rising food prices.
See how Spokane's cost of living affects your budget or salary needs with Salary.com's free Cost of Living Calculator.
Cost of Living Calculator
How does Spokane's cost of living compare to the national average in 2026?
Living in Spokane is less expensive than the national average,
with housing costs 13.9 % lower at $1034
per month for a single person and $1895 per month for a family of four.
Food expenses run 17.3 %
below average at $331
monthly for an individual and $1075 for a family,
while energy, transportation and healthcare costs are 13.8 % lower at about $754 per month
for one person and $1626 for a household.
These costs bring the total monthly expenses to $2119
for a single person and $4596 for a family of four,
making Spokane one of America's least expensive cities.
How does the cost of living compare when moving from other major cities to Spokane?
Spokane's 2025 cost of living is 93% lower than San Francisco,
46% less than Washington, 20% below Miami
, 15% lower than Chicago, 56% less than Boston
, and 79% below New York.
Essential for evaluating relocation costs and salary needs in Spokane.
Spokane (/ˌspoʊˈkæn/ (listen) spoh-KAN) is a city in Spokane County in the state of Washington in the northwestern United States. It is located on the Spokane River west of the Rocky Mountain foothills in eastern Washington, 92 miles (148 km) south of the Canada–US border, 18 miles (30 km) from the Washington–Idaho border, and 228 miles (367 km) east of Seattle along Interstate 90.
Known as the birthplace of Father's Day, Spokane's official nickname is the "Lilac City". A pink, double flower lilac variety known as 'Syringa Spokane' is named for the city. It is the seat of Spokane County and th...
Source: Wikipedia (as of 04/11/2019). Read more from Wikipedia
Comments about the cost of living in Spokane, WA
Will the cost of food in Spokane, Washington impact the overall cost of living there?
Yes, cost of food is important as we all have to eat! There are ways to save money on your food expenses if you plan carefully. Check out stores like Metro to buy items in bulk at a considerable savings. At different times of the year you can get local produce for low prices at roadside stands or farmer’s markets. There are lots of ways to reduce food expenses and lower your overall cost of living in Spokane, WA. (2026-07-27salary.com)
I love to go to sports events, what does Spokane, Washington have to offer?
Spokane, WA does not have a major sports team, but don’t worry, check out local colleges and high school sports schedules. These games usually have very cheap tickets and the spirit and enthusiasm of the crowd often makes up for the level of skill. (2026-07-27salary.com)
Are there any good ways to save money on Cable TV and internet service in Spokane, WA?
The average cost of internet access in the U.S. is $66.20 per month. There are many providers and various packages that are offered, many that bundle internet, cable, and phone together. Pricing for various packages can vary a lot even in the same location. You should evaluate the options based on your usage and preferences and pick the best fit for your needs. One tip to reduce this cost and your overall cost of living, is to get cable service from another source like Direct TV, Netflix, Sling, Amazon Prime or others. (2026-07-27salary.com)
I am nervous about moving, what is the typical cost of moving to another city and what should I have to think about?
The average cost of moving to another state is around $5,600 for a distance of 1,200 miles. This price can vary a lot if the distance is greater and depending on how much is being moved. Even if your employer is covering the cost of a move, there will still be costs that are not covered. A cost that typically occurs is that your existing furniture and accessories are either too large, too small, or not appropriate for your new home. You may find that after you move, you will need to purchase many new items for the new location, for example, window coverings, rugs, lighting, and outdoor gear. Make sure you budget for these types of expenses and include them in the first year’s cost of living at your new location. Finally, although there is no dollar cost, is the stress of moving, which will increase if you have children or pets. Make sure you prepare in advance for what additional TLC those kids and pets will need to have a good move. (2026-07-27salary.com)
Is the cost of electricity in Spokane, Washington expected to change in the future?
The cost of electricity in Washington has gone down by 1.608% in the past year. It is possible that electric rates may fluctuate depending on consumption rates, government regulations and even the weather. (2026-07-27salary.com)
What kind of child care is available in Spokane, Washington and what is the cost?
The estimated average annual cost for child care in Spokane, Washington (based on state average), is $12733. This cost is ranked NO. 10 nationally. Some employers have company provided day care centers that let you bring your child to work with you and receive care on site. Some colleges and universities with Childhood Education programs also may have day care centers available at reduced costs, so you should explore those possibilities to see if you can reduce your child care expense. (2026-07-27salary.com)
Should I plan on spending a lot on rent in Spokane,WA?
In Spokane,WA, my friend pays $884 for a large 2 bedroom apartment. Since he has 2 children, he needs to have a large apartment. (2026-07-27salary.com)
Are there fun things to in Spokane, Washington that are free or don’t cost a lot?
Looks for areas of Spokane, Washington where there is a large student population. In those areas you will be sure to find lots of free or cheap events to go to and plenty of cheap places to eat. Familiarize yourself with the places where students hang out, and take advantage of discounted or bargain prices, you are sure to be able to keep your cost of living reasonable. Look at the website for Spokane, WA to find recommendations for activities that are available and unique to the area. (2026-07-27salary.com)
Will I have to pay a lot in taxes if I move to Spokane, Washington?
The sales tax for Spokane is 6.5%. This is the tax that you will pay on things that you buy. (2026-07-27salary.com)
How long does it take to get to work in Spokane, Washington on average?
Getting to work is important. The weather, traffic, time of year, day of week and if there are accidents, can all impact your commute time. Hopefully you will have a smooth commute in Spokane, Washington, but be prepared for delays. The time you spend commuting is time you do not have to do other things, so it is valuable. The average time for commuting in Spokane is 24.17 minutes. (2026-07-27salary.com)
How much is a monthly pass for public transit in Spokane, Washington?
The cost of a monthly transit pass in Spokane, WA is around $45.00. Ask your employer if they offer discounted passes to save even more money and reduce your cost of commuting and overall COL (2026-07-27salary.com)
Cost of Living Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Cost of Living index and how is it used?
In the simplest terms, a Cost of Living index is the estimated amount that represents the cost of the basic necessities required for an individual to live. A cost of living or COL estimate may typically include estimates for housing, food, energy, medical care, transportation, taxes, and other necessities. A COL index may be used to measure what the cost difference would be for a person living in a certain location compared to another location. This cost of living comparison helps individuals make decisions about where they would like to live and what they can afford based on the costs in that location. A cost of living comparison can provide guidance about how an increase or decrease in these basic living expenses impacts necessary spending for an individual or a family.
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What factors are included in estimating your cost of living?
The Salary.com cost of living calculator estimate is based on data related to five general categories: housing, food, healthcare, transportation, and energy. These are the universally recognized core components of any cost of living estimate and represent those expenses that apply to everyone. Obviously, there may be other factors that could contribute to your particular cost of living situation and not everyone has the same spending habits. For example, education and/or childcare costs might not apply to everyone, but for those who have those expenses, they could be significant and should be considered when you evaluate your cost of living comparison.
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The Salary.com cost of living calculator is unique in that it also incorporates current salary data for thousands of jobs specific to a chosen home or work location to provide a more refined estimate of the cost of living variations. You can see how your job and your salary will be impacted by a change of location. If you live in one location but work in another, the cost of living calculator will make those adjustments to provide an accurate estimate of the change in COL. The Salary.com cost of living calculator helps you to make cost of living comparisons cost comparisons easily and quickly.
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Use our Salary Converter Tool, a user-friendly resource designed to see how much your salary will be if converted into hourly/weekly/biweekly/monthly/yearly pay. With just a few clicks, you can gain valuable insights into your earning potential, ensuring you make informed financial decisions.
Use our Salary Converter Tool, a user-friendly resource designed to see how much your salary will be if converted into hourly/weekly/biweekly/monthly/yearly pay. With just a few clicks, you can gain valuable insights into your earning potential, ensuring you make informed financial decisions.
