Cost of Living in Cheney, WA

With a cost of living index of 95, Cheney, WA is slightly more affordable than average. Living here is 5% cheaper than the national average and 24% below the Washington state average of 119. Cheney is a smaller community of 12,830 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Cheney's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,075 (18% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $330,300 (8% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 7x the median household income — a challenging ratio that puts homeownership out of reach for many residents.

The median household income in Cheney is $47,039, which is 37% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 27% of household income on rent. This is near the 30% threshold that financial experts generally consider the upper limit of affordability.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Cheney. The area sees an average annual temperature of 45°F, with summers averaging 62°F and winters around 29°F. Annual rainfall totals 18.3 inches spread over roughly 115 days. Cold winters mean higher heating bills, an important cost-of-living consideration.

Everyday prices in the Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area tend to run above the national average. Out of 6 common grocery and utility items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 5 are priced higher than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.