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Spokane is a flourishing city and a lively riverfront destination in Washington State. It offers a unique blend of urban amenities and outdoor recreational opportunities.
Over the past few years, the city has grown from a quiet, family-friendly place to a more welcoming town. It offers a pleasant living environment that retirees, young couples, families, and professionals will love!
Suppose you are considering relocating or living in Spokane. In that case, it is important to understand the cost of living in this vibrant city to determine whether it will fit your budget and manage to have a comfortable life in the area.
The cost of living in Spokane, WA, encompasses various factors such as housing, transportation, healthcare, groceries, and more.
In this article, we will dive deeper to know what life is like in Spokane and see whether it is an excellent place to live for you and your family.
Read on to know if you have what it takes to move to one of the charming cities in Washington State!
Living in Spokane, WA
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Nestled in the eastern region of Washington lies the lovely city of Spokane. The area is generally considered an excellent place to live, offering many amenities, and a dynamic lifestyle, while having a good balance of beautiful natural surroundings.
To give you an idea, let me highlight the best things about living in Spokane, WA:
Family-Friendly Communities
It is also a great place to live if you have a family because of many family-oriented communities around the city, including the following:
| Neighborhood | Housing Price Range |
|---|---|
| Liberty Lake | $235,000 to $2.5 million |
| South Hill | $279,000 to $1.3 million |
| North Spokane | $125,000 to $1 million |
Small Town Charm, Pleasant Weather, and Laid-Back Lifestyle
Living in Spokane, WA, means enjoying the charm of a small town with many fun things to do outdoors, like hiking and skiing, since the area experiences pleasant weather in four different seasons.
You will also enjoy the city’s beautiful parks, biking, and hiking trails. Living in Spokane is an excellent choice because of its friendly atmosphere, affordability, and convenience.
Ideal Location
One thing ideal about the city’s location in Washington State is that it is not susceptible to extreme tornadoes or hurricanes as it mainly covers land area rather than water.
Vibrant Downtown and University District
The downtown area of Spokane, WA, is lively and features many visually-pleasing historic buildings, diverse small shops, and restaurants that locals and tourists can explore and enjoy.
The Spokane University District in the downtown area offers multiple opportunities for education, research, revitalization, and prosperity. In fact, Spokane boasts two medical schools and five universities.
Low Cost of Living
Great news for those considering relocating to this city because the cost of living in Spokane, WA, is affordable!
The city has relatively low living expenses compared to other cities since most factors affecting Spokane, WA, cost of living have a cost index falling below the national average of 100.
Potential homebuyers can choose from excellent housing options while having access to city amenities, ensuring a quality lifestyle near conveniences.
Since we are talking about the cost of living, let’s dive deeper to learn and be more acquainted with the factors affecting the cost of living in Spokane, WA.
Spokane, Washington Cost of Living Overview
The cost of living in Spokane, WA, is 2% lower than the national average, making it one of the most affordable cities in Washington State.
The city has a 98.6 cost of living index, compared to Washington, which has a 121.9 cost of living. This means that in order to live comfortably in Spokane, locals should make around $50,000 annually.
Housing
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The housing cost index in Spokane falls at 114.9, which is 57% lower than Washington, having a 172.8 index.
As of May 2023, the median home price in Spokane has decreased by 8.5% compared to the previous year, with homes selling at a median price of $375,000.
The current housing market in Spokane offers an excellent opportunity for interested home buyers.
The affordability of homes in the city allows you to maximize your investment and discover your ideal residence without exceeding your budget.
Renting
For those who prefer the flexibility of renting, Spokane also has an attractive option for you!
The average rent for a comfortable 1-bedroom apartment in the city is around $1,210 per month, while an apartment with three beds costs around $2,166 monthly.
Renting allows you to enjoy a high quality of life in the city without the commitment and additional expenses of homeownership.
Food and Grocery
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Grocery in Spokane has an index of 98.8, just 2% lower than Washington’s, with a 101.1 cost index.
Here is a short list of the basic food and grocery items and dining options with their related costs:
| Food and Grocery Items and Dining Options | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Regular Milk | $0.95 |
| A Loaf of Bread | $3.10 |
| A Dozen of Egg | $3.50 |
| Fruits | $1.64 to $5.15 |
| Restaurant Meals | $23 to $85 |
| Fast Food Meals | $10 |
Utility
Utility cost in Spokane has an index of 78.2, just 4% higher than Washington’s index of 74.
You will need at least $197.86 for a mobile services subscription and $156.48 monthly to cover your water and energy costs.
Health
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Health costs in Spokane are also affordable, having a cost index of 84.5, which is 15% lower than the national average and roughly 4% lower than Washington.
A doctor’s visit in Spokane will cost you around $160. A dentist visit costs roughly $119, while an optometrist visit costs approximately $167.
Transportation
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The cost of transportation in Spokane is much lower than Washington’s overall transportation cost index. While Washington has an index cost of 113.6, Spokane only has a 91.1.
A one-way ticket in Spokane costs $2, while the regular fee for a monthly pass is around $62. A taxi ride with a standard tariff will cost you around $2 to $20, depending on the distance.
Wrap Up
Spokane, WA, offers a desirable quality of life with its pleasant blend of urban amenities and laid-back lifestyle.
The city’s cost of living is notably affordable, particularly compared to statewide and nationwide averages, making it an attractive place for homebuyers looking for starter homes with a reasonable yet comfortable standard of living.
Are you ready to experience a real estate journey in Spokane, WA? With years of industry expertise and a genuine passion for what I do, I am dedicated to being your go-to resource and trusted advisor in the city. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, a real estate investor, or someone needing relocation assistance, I am here to provide unparalleled support at every step.
Book an appointment with me today by calling (509) 230-5363 or emailing sweethomepnw@gmail.com to get started. Make me your next call, and let’s make your real estate dreams a reality!
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much money do you need to live comfortably in Spokane, WA?
An individual resident should have a $15.26 living wage per hour and have around $50,000 or more annually to live comfortably in Spokane, WA.
What is the average cost of housing in Spokane, WA?
As of May 2023, the median home price in Spokane has decreased by 8.5% compared to the previous year, with homes selling at a median price of $375,000.
What is the poverty level income in Spokane, WA?
The median income in Spokane County is $65,700. To be categorized as “low-income” in Spokane, a family of four individuals has a total household income of $52,550.
Similarly, an individual earning about $36,800 is considered within the low-income bracket in Spokane County.
What is the average utility bill in Spokane, WA?
Essential utilities, such as water and electricity, cost an average of $156.48 per month in Spokane.