Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
8% cheaper
Spokane is 8% more affordable than Chicago. A $75,000 salary in Chicago is equivalent to $68,692 in Spokane.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Illinois salaries · Washington salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Chicago has a housing index of 112 while Spokane sits at 94 (national average = 100). The median home in Chicago costs $310,000 compared to $310,000 in Spokane, a difference of $0. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Chicago versus $1,200 in Spokane.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Chicago scores 104 while Spokane scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Chicago (101) are lower than Spokane (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Chicago is $62,097 compared to $48,834 in Spokane. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Spokane.
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