Is Seattle, WA cheaper than Spokane, WA?

Based on cost of living data, Seattle, WA is 81.1% more expensive than Spokane, WA. This translates to spending an extra $6079 per month.

What salary do I need in Seattle, WA to live like I do in Spokane, WA?

If you earn $150,000 in Spokane, WA, you'd need approximately $222,947.368 in Seattle, WA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Spokane, WA and Seattle, WA?

Housing in Seattle, WA is 225.8% more expensive than in Spokane, WA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,630/month in Seattle, WA compared to $1,530/month in Spokane, WA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Spokane, WA to Seattle, WA?

Living in Seattle, WA costs approximately $6079 more per month than Spokane, WA, or $72947 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Spokane, WA vs Seattle, WA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Spokane, WA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $6.1K/month more in Seattle, WA

$150.0K in your current city equals $222.9K in Seattle, WA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA area

Overall Cost

↑ 81.1%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$6,079

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$72.9K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Spokane, WA

Population:230K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$385K

Seattle, WA

Population:749K

Cost Index:

181

(81% above avg)

Median Home:$808K

Spokane, WA

The Evergreen State

230K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Washington, this city has a population of 230K residents.

💡 Advantage: Washington has no state income tax!

Seattle, WA

The Evergreen State

749K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Oceanic

Notable Facts

•Coffee culture birthplace
•Major tech center
•Pacific Northwest gateway

Major Industries

TechnologyAerospaceMaritime TradeCoffee Industry

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Spokane, WA vs Seattle, WA

Category	Spokane, WA	Seattle, WA	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,313/mo	$7,536/mo	↑ $5,223more	225.8%
Other	$1,540/mo	$1,975/mo	↑ $435more	28.3%
Groceries	$1,079/mo	$1,079/mo	→ $0	0.0%
Transportation	$1,899/mo	$1,899/mo	→ $0	0.0%
All Utilities	$481/mo	$481/mo	→ $0	0.0%
Healthcare	$824/mo	$824/mo	→ $0	0.0%

Housing

↑ 225.8%

Spokane, WA

$2,313

Seattle, WA

$7,536

Difference

$5,223

Other

↑ 28.3%

Spokane, WA

$1,540

Seattle, WA

$1,975

Difference

$435

Groceries

→ 0.0%

Spokane, WA

$1,079

Seattle, WA

$1,079

Difference

same

Transportation

→ 0.0%

Spokane, WA

$1,899

Seattle, WA

$1,899

Difference

same

All Utilities

→ 0.0%

Spokane, WA

$481

Seattle, WA

$481

Difference

same

Healthcare

→ 0.0%

Spokane, WA

$824

Seattle, WA

$824

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,105

To$2,180

↑ $1,075

1 Bed

From$1,195

To$2,260

↑ $1,065

2 Bed

From$1,530

To$2,630

↑ $1,100

3 Bed

From$2,085

To$3,440

↑ $1,355

Spokane, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,020–$1,260/mo

Seattle, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,900–$3,210/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$8,136

Monthly in Spokane, WA

$13,794

Monthly in Seattle, WA

$5,659

Difference

Home Values

Spokane

Seattle

$385K

Median Value

$808K

↓ -0.2%

YoY Change

↓ -2.5%

↑ +29.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.5%

$271K - $506K

Price Range

$433K - $1.34M

Homes in Seattle are 110% more expensive than Spokane

Calculate payment - Spokane Calculate payment - Seattle

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

Spokane, WA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Washington State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Seattle, WA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Washington State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Spokane, WA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.2%

Property Tax:0.9%

Seattle, WA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.2%

Property Tax:0.9%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.