What does it cost to live in Spokane? The bills people forget to ask about

Taxes

• Income: Washington has no state tax on wages.
• Sales tax: about 9 percent in the Spokane area. As of 2026 the combined rate is 9.1% in the City of Spokane and 9.0% in Spokane Valley, and it varies a little by address. The state has a rate lookup.
• Property tax: the county assessor sets your home’s value, and the bill is that value times the levy rate for your location. Rates differ from one area to the next because school and fire districts differ. In Spokane County the first half is due April 30 and the second half October 31. If you have a mortgage, it is usually collected with your monthly payment.

Housing

Prices and rents change week to week and vary a lot by area, so I will not put a number here that is stale by the time you read it. Ask me for a current snapshot of the areas you are considering, or run a payment on the calculators.

Utilities

• Gas and electric: Avista serves most of the area. Ask the seller or landlord for the last twelve months of bills; winter heating is the big one.
• Water, sewer and garbage: billed by your city, or by a water district outside city limits. On acreage you may have a well and septic instead, which means no monthly bill but maintenance costs of your own.
• Internet: options depend on the address, especially outside the cities.

Costs that come with the climate

• Winter: snow tires, a shovel or snow blower, and higher heating bills from December to February.
• Summer: many older homes have no air conditioning. Adding it is a cost to plan for.
• Insurance: homeowner’s insurance near open land can cost more because of wildfire risk. Get a quote on the address before you write an offer.

Getting around

Most households rely on a car. Commutes are short, typically 15 to 25 minutes across town, which keeps fuel costs down compared with a long big-city commute.

How to compare it with where you live now

List your current monthly bills, then ask for the Spokane version of each one: the house payment with taxes and insurance, utilities for a home that size, and car insurance. I can help with the housing half and point you to the right people for the rest.

Tax rates and due dates are as of November 2026 and can change. Confirm with the Washington Department of Revenue and the Spokane County Treasurer.