Spokane, WA vs Yakima, WA

Yakima is moderately more affordable than Spokane, with a 8.3% lower cost of living index. Spokane scores 97 compared to 89 for Yakima, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Spokane can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Spokane is $1,141/month compared to $1,075/month in Yakima — a 6% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Yakima is more affordable at $273,400 median vs $326,200.

Median household income in Spokane is $65,745 compared to $59,228 in Yakima (+11%). While Spokane is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Spokane spend roughly 20.8% of their income on rent, less than the 21.8% in Yakima.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (49.8°F vs 50.8°F). Spokane receives more rainfall at 17.4" per year compared to 8" in Yakima.