Performance
Score Breakdown
Spokane
Yakima
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Yakima is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
14% higher compared to Spokane.
Housing costs are a major driver: Spokane's average rent is
27% higher than Yakima's.
| Metric | Spokane | Yakima | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,433 | $1,127 | +27% |
| Groceries | $400 | $450 | -11% |
| Utilities | $223 | $274 | -19% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $153 | +64% |
| Monthly Total | $2,426 | $2,124 | +14% |
| Cost Index | 98 | 102 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Spokane offers 109% higher 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 Spokane is estimated at
$55,000 vs $49,428 in Yakima.
| Metric | Spokane | Yakima |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $72,290 | $34,628 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $49,428 |
| Purchasing Power | 73,765 idx | 33,949 idx |
| Household Income | $70,190 | $59,829 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Spokane | Yakima |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 65.00% | % |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Yakima has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,000 minutes (33 hours) per year compared to Spokane.
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 | Spokane | Yakima |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 21 min | 17 min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Walkability | 60.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Spokane is the larger city
— approximately 2.3x the population of Yakima.
From a growth perspective, Spokane 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 | Spokane | Yakima |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 228,989 | 97,769 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.20% | % |
| Median Age | 38.0 | |
| Unemployment | 3.80% | 5.30% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $13.3B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
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.
Yakima
Advantages
Yakima enjoys approximately 300 sunny days per year, making it one of Washington's sunniest major cities.
The cost of living in Yakima is notably affordable, with housing costs significantly lower than the national average.
The region is a world-class wine country with over 120 wineries, offering unique recreational and cultural experiences.
Residents have access to excellent outdoor recreation opportunities, including the Yakima River and nearby mountains, lakes, and trails.
The average commute time in Yakima County is shorter than the Washington state average, at 17.3 minutes.
Drawbacks
Yakima's overall crime rate is 22% higher than the national average, with violent crimes being 52% higher.
The nightlife and cultural scene can be limited, with many establishments closing early and less investment in arts compared to larger cities.
Public transit is not extensive, making car ownership almost essential for getting around the city effectively.
Some specialized medical care may require residents to travel to larger cities outside of Yakima.
Groceries and utilities are slightly more expensive than the national average.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Spokane
#25Washington, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,433
Avg Salary
$72,290
Cost Index
98
Commute
21 min
Transit Score
55.0/10
Walkability
60.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.20%
Unemployment
3.80%
Livability
74
Business
68
Yakima
#25Washington, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,127
Avg Salary
$34,628
Cost Index
102
Commute
17 min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
0.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
5.30%
Livability
74
Business
68
Calculate Your Cost Impact
Estimate the salary you'd need when moving between Spokane and Yakima.
Open Cost Calculator