CostIndexUSA

Spokane, WA vs Washington, DC Cost of Living

Data: BEA Regional Price Parities · Census ACS · 2024

More AffordableWA
Spokane
100.3
overall index
$1,475/mo rent
DC
Washington
108.9
overall index
$2,325/mo rent

Spokane is moderately cheaper than Washington — 8.6% lower overall cost of living.

To match an $80,000 salary in Spokane, you would need $86,900 in Washington. Calculate your salary ↓

Category Breakdown

Index values: 100 = U.S. national average. Higher = more expensive.

🏠 Housing+55.6%
Spokane
97.1
Washington
151.1
🛒 Groceries≈ Equal
Spokane
105
Washington
104.8
🚗 Transportation+2.9%
Spokane
104.4
Washington
107.4
🏥 Healthcare+2.9%
Spokane
94.5
Washington
97.2
Utilities+17.0%
Spokane
91.2
Washington
106.7

Salary Equivalency Calculator

Enter your current salary in Spokane to see what you'd need to earn in Washington to maintain the same purchasing power.

$
Equivalent salary in Washington, DC
$86,900
$6,900 more needed in Washington

Formula: salary × (108.9 ÷ 100.3) = salary × 1.0857. Based on BEA Regional Price Parities.

Housing Market

Spokane, WA

Median Home Price
$406,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,475
Housing Index
97.1
Price-to-Rent Ratio
22.9×

Washington, DC

Median Home Price
$567,000
Median Monthly Rent
$2,325
Housing Index
151.1
Price-to-Rent Ratio
20.3×

Washington has 55.6% higher housing costs compared to Spokane.

Income & Job Market

Spokane, WA

Median Household Income
$72,800
Per Capita Income
$41,500
Unemployment Rate
4.2%
Population
228,989
Top Industries
HealthcareEducationGovernmentManufacturingRetail

Washington, DC

Median Household Income
$121,500
Per Capita Income
$69,300
Unemployment Rate
4%
Population
689,545
Top Industries
GovernmentFinanceTechnologyHealthcareDefense

Affordability at a Glance

Income-to-rent ratio: higher is better (more income relative to housing costs).

Spokane, WA
4.1×income-to-rent ratio

76% of income left after rent (median)

Washington, DC
4.4×income-to-rent ratio

77% of income left after rent (median)

Data Sources: Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parities 2024; U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS); Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Local Area Unemployment Statistics; Zillow Research.

Cost indices use 100 as the U.S. national average. Values above 100 indicate costs above the national average. Data is updated annually.

This data is for informational purposes only and should not be used as the sole basis for relocation or financial decisions.