Quick answer
Spokane costs $760/month less overall ($1,635 vs $2,395/mo). Spokane also has lower state income tax (None (W-2) vs 4.95%), widening the advantage for higher earners.
City Comparison · 2026
Chicago vs Spokane
Side-by-side on rent, home prices, taxes, walkability, jobs, and climate — with a straight verdict for each type of mover.
Last updated: October 18, 2026
Chicago vs Spokane at a Glance
| Metric | Chicago | Spokane |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,850 | $1,350 ✓ |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $2,350 | $1,350 ✓ |
| Median Home Price | $340K ✓ | $360K |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $155 | $150 ✓ |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $390 | $385 ✓ |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $2,395 | $1,635 ✓ |
| Walk Score | 78/100 ✓ | 49/100 |
| Transit Score | 65/100 ✓ | 34/100 |
| State Income Tax | 4.95% | None (W-2) ✓ |
Monthly cost = 1BR rent + utilities + groceries for one person. ✓ marks the lower/better value.
Cost of Living: What the Numbers Actually Mean
Rent gap: Spokane's 1BR averages $1,100/month vs $1,850 in Chicago — a $750/month difference, or $9,000/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Spokane charges None (W-2) state income tax vs 4.95% in Chicago. On an $80K salary that's a $3,960/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $5,940 vs $0 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Chicago are $340K vs $360K in Spokane. At a 20% down payment, that's a $4,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Chicago utilities run $5 more per month than Spokane. Factor this into your all-in monthly budget.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Chicago, IL
Chicago's walkability means you can genuinely live without a car in the right neighborhoods.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Spokane, WA
Spokane is partially walkable in denser neighborhoods but car-dependent in most areas.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Climate
Chicago
Four true seasons; brutal winters (wind chills below -20°F common); outstanding summers
Spokane
Real four seasons with cold, snowy winters (December-February); dry desert climate; average 250 sunny days annually; summer wildfire smoke June-September; fall and spring are spectacular
Job Market
Chicago top industries
Spokane top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
Move to Chicago if…
- →You're a urban explorers
- →You're a foodies
- →You're a architecture lovers
- →You're a transit users
- →You're a theater fans
- →You want to live without a car
- →You're buying a home and want more for your money
Move to Spokane if…
- →You're a Remote workers
- →You're a Outdoor enthusiasts
- →You're a People escaping high taxes
- →You're a Families on moderate budgets
- →You want zero state income tax
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Spokane cheaper to live in?
Spokane is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $1,635 in Spokane vs $2,395 in Chicago — a $760/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Chicago or Spokane?
Chicago is more walkable with a Walk Score of 78/100 vs 49/100. Spokane is more car-dependent.
Chicago vs Spokane: which has lower state income tax?
Spokane has lower state income tax (None (W-2)). On an $80K salary, that saves $3,960/year vs Chicago (4.95%).
Is Chicago or Spokane better for buying a home?
Chicago has lower median home prices at $340K vs $360K in Spokane — a $20,000 difference on the median home.