Cost of Living in Spokane County, Washington
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Spokane County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Spokane County ranks #2,777 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 12%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Spokane County, Washington
Spokane County's Moderate Affordability Challenge
Spokane County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.6% slightly exceeds the national average, indicating a moderate housing affordability challenge. With median household income of $73,513—just below the national average—and rent at $1,200/month, Spokane residents face affordability pressures similar to the typical American household.
Mid-Range Housing Costs for Washington
Spokane County's 19.6% rent-to-income ratio ranks slightly above Washington's 18.8% state average, placing it in the middle of the state's affordability spectrum. At $1,200/month, median rent matches the state median exactly, making Spokane a representative Washington housing market.
Spokane: Eastern Washington's Hub
Spokane County's $1,200 rent undercuts western Washington's Puget Sound counties (Pierce $1,722, Snohomish $1,866) significantly, though it runs $414 above rural Pend Oreille. With median income of $73,513, Spokane offers the region's best balance of urban opportunity and relative affordability east of the Cascades.
Eastern Washington's Housing Math
Spokane County renters spend 19.6% of income on rent ($1,200/month), while owners dedicate 22.2% to mortgage and costs ($1,363/month). The median home value of $370,500 sits below state averages, keeping ownership achievable for households near the median income.
Spokane: The Eastern Washington Standard
Spokane County delivers reliable housing affordability as eastern Washington's largest metro, with costs well below Puget Sound rivals. Relocators seeking urban amenities with better affordability should compare Spokane favorably against Pierce and Snohomish, though Skamania and Pend Oreille offer even greater value.
Cost of Living Advisory: Spokane County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Spokane County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $1,200/month in gross rent, with 30.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,200/month rent versus $1,363/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $163/month cheaper — a 12% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $48,000/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $58,414/year. With a median household income of $73,513, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 30.0% of renter households in Spokane County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Washington, Spokane County is less affordable than Kittitas County by roughly 4% ($1,200/mo vs $1,253/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Spokane County
Rent Burden
19.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,715
per month
Owner Cost Burden
22.2%
of gross income
The median home in Spokane County may be a stretch
Median home value is $370,500. Estimated monthly cost: $2,958 vs. your max of $1,715.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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