Quick answer
Spokane costs $980/month less overall ($1,635 vs $2,615/mo). Spokane also has lower state income tax (None (W-2) vs 9.3%), widening the advantage for higher earners.
City Comparison · 2026
Long Beach 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 13, 2026
Long Beach vs Spokane at a Glance
| Metric | Long Beach | Spokane |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $2,050 | $1,350 ✓ |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $2,650 | $1,350 ✓ |
| Median Home Price | $825K | $360K ✓ |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $165 | $150 ✓ |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $400 | $385 ✓ |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $2,615 | $1,635 ✓ |
| Walk Score | 76/100 ✓ | 49/100 |
| Transit Score | 72/100 ✓ | 34/100 |
| State Income Tax | 9.3% | 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 $2,050 in Long Beach — a $950/month difference, or $11,400/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Spokane charges None (W-2) state income tax vs 9.3% in Long Beach. On an $80K salary that's a $7,440/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $11,160 vs $0 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Spokane are $360K vs $825K in Long Beach. At a 20% down payment, that's a $93,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Long Beach utilities run $15 more per month than Spokane. Factor this into your all-in monthly budget.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Long Beach, CA
Long Beach'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
Long Beach
Year-round mild: 60-70°F average. Rarely freezes; minimal rain (12 inches/year). Marine layer mornings (May-August) bring overcast, cool conditions until afternoon clearing.
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
Long Beach top industries
Spokane top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
Move to Long Beach if…
- →You're a Port/logistics workers
- →You're a People who want beach access without LA's sprawl
- →You're a Artists and creative types seeking community and affordability
- →You're a Anyone wanting California weather without SF or San Diego prices
- →You want to live without a car
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
- →You're buying a home and want more for your money
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Long Beach or Spokane cheaper to live in?
Spokane is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $1,635 in Spokane vs $2,615 in Long Beach — a $980/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Long Beach or Spokane?
Long Beach is more walkable with a Walk Score of 76/100 vs 49/100. Spokane is more car-dependent.
Long Beach vs Spokane: which has lower state income tax?
Spokane has lower state income tax (None (W-2)). On an $80K salary, that saves $7,440/year vs Long Beach (9.3%).
Is Long Beach or Spokane better for buying a home?
Spokane has lower median home prices at $360K vs $825K in Long Beach — a $465,000 difference on the median home.