Federal Way, WA vs Spokane, WA

The cost of living difference between Federal Way, WA and Spokane, WA is dramatic. Spokane is 37.7% cheaper than Federal Way, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Federal Way 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 Federal Way is $1,738/month compared to $1,141/month in Spokane — a 52% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Spokane is more affordable at $326,200 median vs $499,600.

Median household income in Federal Way is $82,144 compared to $65,745 in Spokane (+24.9%). The higher salaries in Federal Way partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Federal Way spend roughly 25.4% of their income on rent, more than the 20.8% in Spokane.

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