Spokane, WA vs Tacoma, WA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Spokane is 22.8% cheaper than Tacoma. With a cost index of 97 vs 125, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Spokane to Tacoma should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Spokane is $1,141/month compared to $1,597/month in Tacoma — a 29% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Spokane is more affordable at $326,200 median vs $454,600.

Median household income in Spokane is $65,745 compared to $83,857 in Tacoma (-21.6%). The higher salaries in Tacoma partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Spokane spend roughly 20.8% of their income on rent, less than the 22.9% in Tacoma.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (49.8°F vs 51.9°F). Tacoma receives more rainfall at 42" per year compared to 17.4" in Spokane.