City Comparison
Pasco vs Spokane
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Pasco scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Pasco
Spokane
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Pasco is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
1% lower than in Spokane.
| Metric | Pasco | Spokane | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,450 | $1,433 | +1% |
| Groceries | $420 | $400 | +5% |
| Utilities | $175 | $223 | -22% |
| Transport | $110 | $120 | -8% |
| Healthcare | $240 | $250 | -4% |
| Monthly Total | $2,395 | $2,426 | -1% |
| Cost Index | 96 | 98 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Spokane offers 11% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Spokane delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Pasco is estimated at
$52,000 vs $55,000 in Spokane.
| Metric | Pasco | Spokane |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $64,500 | $72,290 |
| Salary Needed | $52,000 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 67,188 idx | 73,765 idx |
| Household Income | $74,210 | $70,190 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Pasco runs warmer on average — a 57.9°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Pasco comes out ahead with 294 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Pasco sees 6.6 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Pasco | Spokane |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 57.90°F | °F |
| Summer High | 91.70°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 32.30°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 11.90 in | in |
| Snowfall | 6.60 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 294 | |
| Humidity | 45.00% | 65.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 0 minutes of each other.
Spokane scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Spokane leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Pasco | Spokane |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 21 min | 21 min |
| Transit Score | 42.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Walkability | 40.0/100 | 60.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 38.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Spokane is the larger city
— approximately 0.3x the population of Pasco.
From a growth perspective, Pasco is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Spokane has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Pasco | Spokane |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 79,493 | 228,989 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.10% | 1.20% |
| Median Age | 30.5 | 38.0 |
| Unemployment | 4.80% | 3.80% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Pasco
Advantages
Abundant sunshine with approximately 294 sunny days per year supporting an active outdoor lifestyle.
More affordable housing market and overall cost of living compared to coastal Washington cities like Seattle.
Strategic regional location along the Columbia River with robust transportation links via the Tri-Cities Airport and major highways.
Rich cultural diversity highlighted by community festivals, local markets, and a vibrant culinary scene.
Steady economic growth driven by agriculture, manufacturing, and strong regional employment opportunities.
Drawbacks
Hot and dry summer climate with temperatures frequently exceeding 90°F.
Limited public transit walkability outside of specific downtown and newly developed commercial zones.
Housing inventory constraints and rising home prices driven by rapid regional population growth.
Limited nightlife and entertainment options compared to larger metropolitan hubs.
Breezy conditions and occasional high winds typical of the Columbia Basin region.
Spokane
Advantages
Cost of living is approximately 3% below the national average, with housing costs being 13.9% lower than the national average.
Spokane offers abundant outdoor activities with 76 lakes within an hour's drive and proximity to mountains.
Washington State has no state income tax, providing a significant financial advantage to residents.
The average commute time in Spokane is around 20-22 minutes, which is shorter than the Washington state average.
Spokane is recognized as one of the most affordable cities on the West Coast.
Drawbacks
The violent crime rate in Spokane is 7.2 per 1,000 residents, which is higher than the national average of 3.6 per 1,000 residents.
Grocery costs in Spokane are approximately 8.8% higher than the national average.
Job growth is projected to slow down in 2026, and the housing market remains challenging for newcomers.
Spokane's economy has a heavy reliance on the healthcare industry, which poses a risk if growth in this sector falters.
Consumer spending behavior indicates an 'emotional recession' due to inflation eroding wage gains.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Pasco
#160Washington, USA
64.8 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,450
Avg Salary
$64,500
Cost Index
96
Commute
21 min
Transit Score
42.0/100
Walkability
40.0/100
Sunny Days
294/yr
Avg Temp
57.90°F
Pop. Growth
2.10%
Unemployment
4.80%
Livability
74
Business
70
Spokane
#519Washington, USA
51.3 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,433
Avg Salary
$72,290
Cost Index
98
Commute
21 min
Transit Score
55.0/100
Walkability
60.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.20%
Unemployment
3.80%
Livability
74
Business
68
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