Cost of Living in Spokane, WA

How far does a $70,000 salary go in Spokane? Estimated income taxes on that gross salary total approximately $7,241 per year — Washington levies no state income tax, so that figure covers federal tax only. Subtract rent for a 2-bedroom apartment ($1,531/month based on HUD Fair Market Rents for the Spokane metro area) and the estimated annual take-home is $44,387, or roughly $3,699 per month for everything else: food, transportation, savings, and discretionary spending.

The Spokane metro has a cost of living index of 93.6 according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (national average = 100). This gives Spokane a moderate affordability advantage — groceries, dining, and services tend to cost less than the U.S. average.

At a $70,000 salary, the estimated 2-bedroom rent in Spokane represents approximately 26% of gross income. That approaches the 30% threshold commonly used to define affordability. A smaller unit or a higher salary would improve the picture. Washington's zero income tax helps offset the rent burden compared to otherwise similar cities that also levy state income tax.