Chicago, IL vs Spokane, WA
Cost of living comparison · 2023 Census ACS data
Quick Summary
Chicago and Spokane sit close to each other across the headline cost-of-living indicators — typical homes within 3% of each other, median incomes within 12%. The relocation math comes down to non-housing factors: taxes, commute, climate, and personal preference. Spokane also has no state income tax, while the other state tops out at 5.0% — a meaningful annual difference at higher income levels.
Median Home Value
$315,200 ✓
$326,200
Zillow Home Value
$312,456
$389,883
Median Gross Rent
$1,380/mo
$1,141/mo ✓
Owner Occupied %
45.5%
58.3%
Price-to-Rent Ratio
19.0x
23.8x
Median Household Income
$75,134 ✓
$65,745
Per Capita Income
$48,148
$38,200
Unemployment Rate
7.9%
6.0% ✓
Poverty Rate
16.8%
14.6%
Avg Commute (min)
36.7 min
22.7 min
Drove Alone %
46.0%
68.3%
Public Transit %
19.3%
2.9%
Work From Home %
18.3%
13.8%
State Income Tax
5.0%
None
Total Sales Tax
8.7% ✓
9.2%
Property Tax Rate
2.2%
1.0%
Bachelor's Degree %
24.9%
20.5%
Median Age
35.7
37.2
Avg High Temp
60.3°F
60.7°F
Annual Precipitation
34.4"
17.4"
Chicago, IL 3 wins
- ✓Median Home Value
- ✓Total Sales Tax
- ✓Median Household Income
Spokane, WA 2 wins
- ✓Median Gross Rent
- ✓Unemployment Rate
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