What's the Cost of Living in Spokane, WA?

Is Spokane an expensive place to live? Let's take a look at the cost of living, the average household income, and typical expenses. 

As the birthplace of Father's Day and nicknamed "Lilac City," Spokane is most known for its beautiful lilac bushes planted throughout the city. Located on the eastern side of Washington state, Spokane is not only beautiful but a great place to live or visit.

The city offers an affordable cost of living, a high-quality public school system, a vibrant arts and culture scene, and prime real estate. Spokane has grown to become the second largest city in Washington, although it retains that same small-town charm that it had years ago. 

Spokane has something for everything and is a great place to live for small families, retirees, and young professionals. No matter your reason for moving to Spokane, the first and foremost thing to do is research, as there are many things to know before moving to Spokane. Luckily for you, Spokane has a very affordable cost of living, but let's dive into what that means by looking more closely at the cost of living, real estate, average income, and more everyday expenses. 

Keep reading to learn more about the cost of living and typical expenses in Spokane, WA.

Cost of Living

Overall, the cost of living in Spokane is 3% higher than the national average. Although many different expenses go into this percentage, this small higher percentage does not make a huge difference. More specifically, housing costs are 3% higher, utilities are 5% lower, groceries are 4% higher, and transportation costs are 2% higher than the national average. 

Washington as a whole can have a bit higher cost of living than most states, although Spokane has a lower cost of living compared to most major cities in the state. Spokane is a much more affordable choice compared to other cities in Washington, like Bellevue, Vancouver, and Seattle, which has a much higher cost of living. 

So as you know, the following statistics are averages derived from various factors throughout the city. It is crucial to keep in mind that your individual spending may differ from these figures. With that being said, the overall cost of living will give you a good idea of how much you will need to make in order to live comfortably. These costs also vary greatly depending on your lifestyle decisions, budget, and family size. 

Spokane is a relatively affordable city, and prices aren't projected to rise too much in the next few years. Housing prices have even gone down 1.2% compared to last year, which is a considerable expense, and this lowering will save you a lot of money.

Here are some typical costs of living aspects according to Payscale.

Real Estate

As you search for that perfect home, Spokane should definitely be at the top of your list. With housing prices that are only 3% higher than the national average, you can expect to pay similar costs as most homeowners across the country. Spokane has many unique and beautiful neighborhoods that you will absolutely fall in love with, all at an affordable price.

Housing prices will, of course, vary depending on your home size, location, and more. Luckily, you have many home-type options, from single-family homes to townhomes, condos, and more in Spokane. You can make sure to find the perfect one here, regardless of what home type you are looking for. 

The median home price in Spokane is about $463,989, and the median rent cost is $1,411 monthly. Typically, houses are only on the market for about 11 days, indicating that the neighborhood is in high demand. It's essential to act quickly when an opportunity arises.

As you can probably tell, Spokane is one of the best places to live in Washington, and many people are choosing to move to this beautiful city every year. Take a look at Seattle and Vancouver neighborhoods. If you are looking for a small town, check out Richland, Clarkston, and Pasco, as they are also some great towns here in Washington state. 

Income

As a whole, Washington's job market stands out by offering an abundance of job opportunities and even ranked No. 8 in terms of job satisfaction and No. 7 in terms of employer-based retirement access and participation. Spokane carries on these rankings in its own city with plenty of job opportunities and support for the retirement community.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the median household income in Spokane is $64,079 per year, and the number of persons in poverty is 11.2%. This is lower than the national average of 11.6%. To live comfortably, you need around $33,017 as an individual in Spokane. 

Spokane is the center of many businesses and industries, the major industries being mining, manufacturing, medical industries, communication and networking utilities, finance, insurance, and aerospace. Overall, there are plenty of job opportunities in Spokane, no matter your level of experience or area of expertise. 

If you can't find the job you're looking for here in Spokane, there are many other great cities in Washington with even more job opportunities, like Seattle, Vancouver, and Tacoma. 

Food

In recent years, food prices in Spokane have risen a small amount but still remain right around the national average, specifically 4% higher. The average individual in Spokane spends about $191-$400 monthly on food, and a family of four spends about $1,200 monthly. 

Here are the average prices of everyday grocery items according to Payscale. 

However, these are just averages, and food costs are highly dependent on your specific preferences, lifestyle, budget, and family size. Budgeting can save you tons of money, especially on groceries. But if you are looking for some of the best local places to eat in Spokane, check out the list below.

• Anthony's: Enjoy some of Washington's best seafood in the heart of downtown Spokane with a view of the amazing river over Spokane Falls.
• Italia Trattoria: Located in the city's oldest district, Browne's Addition, this restaurant offers an ever-changing menu of high-quality Italian food in a cozy atmosphere. 
• Outsider: Taste excellent contemporary American cuisine with locally-sourced ingredients, a lengthy wine list, and a relaxed atmosphere here. 

Transportation

Transportation costs in Spokane are barely over the national average, only 2% higher. Although your personal transportation costs highly rely on your preferences and lifestyle. There is an advanced transportation Taxi and shuttle service, Spokane Transit buses, and even Lime Bikes and Scooters if you're looking for a more fun way to get around town. 

Many people would instead not rely on public transportation and own their own cars. Gas prices are usually around $3.45 per gallon, although gas prices are subject to change depending on many variables. There is also Uber, Lyft, and taxis that are always popular in larger cities like Spokane. 

Spokane even has its own airport, Spokane International Airport, about 7 miles southwest of downtown. There is a fixed bus schedule that runs from the airport to downtown to make it easier for residents and tourists flying into town. Overall, you can expect transportation costs to be right around the same price as most cities in the United States. 

Healthcare

Healthcare in Spokane is 16% higher than the national average, although this all depends on where you go for healthcare. This percentage is based on the prices of family doctor visits and specialized services such as optometry.

Luckily, there are several hospitals in Spokane, such as the Sacred Heart Medical Center & Children's Hospital, Deaconess Medical Center, and Providence Holy Family Hospital. These are just some of the great hospitals in the area that will be available to you.

According to Payscale, here are some of the average prices for standard doctor visits.

It is imperative to remember that healthcare costs depend on where you go, the specialized service you need, and the type of insurance plan you have. 

Taxes

The sales tax rate in Spokane is 9%; this is the total of state, county, and city tax rates. The whole state of Washington has a tax rate of 6.5%; Spokanes tax rate is very similar to other tax rates in Washington cities. 

Spokane County collects an average of 1.01% of a property's assessed fair market value as property tax. This is higher than the median property taxes in the rest of the United States. The typical resident pays about $2,934 a year on property taxes alone. 

Don't let this scare you off, as Washington does not impose a personal income tax. This can end up saving you a lot of money in the long run. However, the state's sales taxes are among the highest in the country. Regarding property taxes, Washington charges a similar amount to other states.

When calculating the cost of living in a new location, it's essential to factor in taxes since they can significantly impact the overall expenses. Considering all costs will allow you to make an accurate assessment. It's worth noting that depending on your profession and way of life, you may encounter extra taxes like vehicle registration fees and business taxes.

FAQ: Cost of Living in Spokane, WA

Here are some commonly asked questions about the cost of living in Spokane, WA.

Is Spokane, Washington, expensive to live in?

The cost of living in Spokane is 10% lower than the state average and 3% higher than the national average, meaning it is not a very expensive place to live.

What salary do you need to live in Spokane?

The required salary dramatically depends on your family size. For an individual, you should make around $33,017; for a family of four, you should make around $78,930 yearly.

Is Spokane, Washington, an excellent place to live?

Residents in Spokane get to enjoy a unique quality of life as it is a smaller city compared to major cities in Washington, like Seattle or Vancouver. 

 Does Spokane get a lot of snow?

The winters in Washington are cold and cloudy, but you can enjoy an average of 44 inches of snow each year. Temperatures can vary from 26°F to 88°F throughout the year.

Why are people moving to Spokane?

Many people relocate here from all over the country for affordable housing, urban amenities, outdoor recreation, and a strong sense of community. 

Cost of Living in Spokane, WA - The Bottom Line

The bottom line is this vibrant city is perfect for families and young adults alike. There are countless reasons why people are moving to Spokane. If you are searching for a place to live that will feel like home, Spokane is for you. Beautiful scenery, outdoor recreation, friendly residents, and many job opportunities are endless reasons why people love living here. 

Regardless of your preferences, Spokane has something for everyone, and you will surely adore it. We are so glad to help you on your road to finding that perfect home. Keep in mind that the cost of living and average expense listed here may not equal precisely how much you will be spending. Nevertheless, it is vital to know the averages of any new city or town, as each one is incredibly unique.

Washington boasts an abundance of excellent cities; make sure to check out everything you need to know before moving to cities like Spokane or Vancouver. 

Whether you decide to move to Spokane for its stunning scenery, a job opportunity, or a fresh start, our team at UpHomes is dedicated to helping you find the home of your dreams. If you are ready to find that perfect home, don't hesitate to contact one of our helpful Realty Specialists or check out some fantastic homes for sale in Washington.