Auburn, WA vs Spokane, WA

The cost of living difference between Auburn, WA and Spokane, WA is dramatic. Spokane is 37.8% cheaper than Auburn, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Auburn has a cost index of 133 while Spokane sits at 97, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Auburn is $1,713/month compared to $1,141/month in Spokane — a 50% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Spokane is more affordable at $326,200 median vs $510,400.

Median household income in Auburn is $95,367 compared to $65,745 in Spokane (+45.1%). While Auburn is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Auburn spend roughly 21.6% of their income on rent, more than the 20.8% in Spokane.

Climate-wise, Auburn is notably warmer with an average of 53.7°F compared to 49.8°F in Spokane. Auburn receives more rainfall at 39.3" per year compared to 17.4" in Spokane.