You’ll need roughly $2,500–$3,500 per month to cover typical Spokane costs. Rents have recently averaged around $1,268 for a one-bed and $1,410 for a two-bed. Utilities plus internet run about $300. Groceries come to around $400 monthly. Transportation can be $775 if you drive. Healthcare and occasional outlays push totals higher. Housing stays more affordable than much of Washington.

Quick Answer

• Average monthly costs: $2,500–$3,500 for a single adult, including rent and essentials.
• Housing: Median rent $1,397; one-bed $1,268; two-bed $1,410.
• Utilities + internet: ~$300 for a typical apartment.
• Food: ~$400 groceries for one; dining out $20 inexpensive meal.
• Transportation: Gas ~$4.16/gal; monthly transit pass $48.
• Healthcare: Doctor visit ~$205; about 15% above national average.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for Spokane Residents

To plan your monthly budget in Spokane, start with the big-ticket items. Most residents spend about $2,800 per month on average. Median household income sits around $85,000 annually.
You’ll allocate housing costs first. Use the median rent as a guide. One-bedroom units cost around $1,268. Two-bedrooms run near $1,410. Adjust for location and amenities.
Next, factor utilities. Combined electricity, gas, water, and internet typically run $232–$300 for a ~915 sq. ft. unit. Check out Numbeo cost of living data for more details.
Add grocery costs of roughly $400 monthly for a single adult. Include occasional dining out. An inexpensive meal costs ~$20. A mid-range dinner for two is ~$75.
Don’t forget transportation. Average annual transport costs translate to about $775 monthly. Fuel has recently hovered near $4.16–$4.45 per gallon. Prices fluctuate.
Additionally, consider that building a home can often impact long-term financial stability. It influences monthly expenses as well.
Tally fixed and variable lines. Set savings and emergency funds as priorities. Compare totals to your income. Make certain your Spokane monthly budget stays balanced and realistic.

Rent and Housing: Prices, Trends, and Affordability

You’ll find median rents in Spokane around $1,397 for all apartments. One-beds cost about $1,268. Two-beds run near $1,410. Rents have shown slight increases year-over-year.
Housing is about 3% lower than the national average. It is roughly 10% cheaper than the Washington state average. Median home prices range near $350k–$430k. They remain well below nearby Puget Sound markets.
Plan for upfront move-in costs like application fees, security and pet deposits. Use benchmarks such as the 30% rule. A $1,268 rent implies about $50,720 gross annual income when evaluating affordability. Additionally, understanding operational expenses is crucial for budgeting effectively when moving into a new home.

Median Rent & Trends

Although rent in Spokane varies by source, the median falls roughly between $1,397 and $1,500 per month. One-bedroom units cost around $1,268. Two-bedrooms run about $1,410.
You’ll see the median rent and average monthly rent sit below national and state averages. This reflects better housing affordability. Reported median home prices range from about $350k to $430k.
Recent data show a modest increase. Spokane didn’t experience the steep drops seen elsewhere.
If you follow the 30% rule, a $1,268 one-bed implies roughly $50,720 gross annual income.
Don’t forget move-in fees. Application charges, security and pet deposits add up. Use Apartment List or local managers to compare listings and verify current pricing.

Affordability Benchmarks

Because Spokane’s housing costs sit noticeably below many other Washington metros, you can often get more space for less. Median home prices range roughly $350k–$430k versus higher figures in Tacoma and Seattle. Typical rents fall around $1,397–$1,500 monthly. One-bedrooms ≈ $1,268; two-bedrooms ≈ $1,410.
That affordability translates into a lower cost of housing relative to state and national averages. Housing costs are roughly 3–10% cheaper. Use benchmarks to gauge fit. Compare rent to median household income. Apply the 30% rule to spot rent burden risks.
Practical takeaways:

1. Calculate required gross income: ~$50,720 for a $1,268 one-bedroom.
2. For a $1,410 two-bedroom, target ~$56,400.
3. Track small annual rent increases when planning moves.

Spokane offers an affordable cost of living if you align choices with local income.

Move-in Costs & Fees

Having the affordability benchmarks in mind helps you plan the upfront costs that can make or break a move.
Expect move-in fees beyond first month’s rent. Application fees are usually modest. A security deposit commonly equals one month’s rent. Add any pet deposit if you have animals.
With one-bedroom rent around $1,268 and two-bedroom near $1,410, these sums add up quickly.
Also budget for utilities activation and renter’s insurance. Both are often required at lease signing.
If you’re buying, factor down payment and closing costs on median homes ($350k–$430k) and current mortgage rates (~6.6%).
Include potential storage or mover fees. Use the 30% rule to test affordability so upfront costs won’t derail your budget.

Utilities, Internet, and Monthly Home Expenses

If you’re budgeting for a 900–1000 sq. ft. apartment in Spokane, expect monthly home utilities around $169–$232. Electricity runs near $104. Gas/heating is about $71. Water is roughly $43.
You’ll typically see overall energy and home utility costs reported between $169 and $232 depending on source and dwelling size.
Add internet (60+ Mbps, unlimited) at about $68/month. Your combined utilities + internet lands near $300 monthly.

1. Track baseline: budget $169–$232 for utilities and plan $68 for internet to hit ~$300 monthly.
2. Account for seasonality: heating in winter or cooling in summer can push energy above averages; add a buffer of $30–$60.
3. Plan extras: occasional telecom/phone fees have appeared around $204 in some estimates. Factor one-time or irregular charges into emergency savings.
4. Be aware that regular inspections can help identify issues early, potentially saving on costly repairs down the line.

You’ll want to monitor bills monthly to adjust the budget and avoid surprises.

Food and Grocery Costs: Eating at Home and Dining Out

Once you’ve pinned down your home bills, food will be the next big monthly line item to plan. Expect groceries to run about $400/month for a single adult. Staples like milk cost roughly $3.71 a gallon. A dozen eggs is about $5.67.
If you’re feeding a family, shopping lower-cost outlets and buying bulk can keep a family of four’s annual grocery bill reasonable. Store choice meaningfully lowers per-person food costs.
Eating out in Spokane stays reasonable. An inexpensive meal averages $20. A three-course mid-range dinner for two is about $75. The local scene includes pho, Thai, and fried chicken among affordable restaurants. You get diverse options for dining without blowing your monthly budget.
For tight budgets, prioritize grocery planning. Use discount stores. Treat dining out as occasional flexibility in your overall food costs. Regular preventative measures can also help manage expenses by keeping kitchen appliances functioning well.

Transportation: Gas, Public Transit, and Commuting Costs

Expect to spend about $775 a month on transportation as a single adult in Spokane. Families average roughly $1,301/month. Gas has recently run near $4.16–$4.45 per gallon in Spokane. Fuel and parking can quickly push driving costs higher. Spokane Transit’s 43 routes and 31-day pass offer a lower-cost alternative for frequent riders. Compare your commute time and monthly pass vs. estimated fuel, parking, and maintenance to decide whether transit or driving is cheaper for your route. Additionally, understanding replacement costs for vehicle components like the air conditioning blowing hose can help budget for unexpected repairs.

Gasoline Prices and Impact

Gasoline in Spokane has recently run about $4.16–$4.45 per gallon. That is above the national average. You’ll pay more at the pump. See that reflected in weekly fueling budgets. That gap raises your transportation fuel cost. An average single adult faces roughly $9,307 annually. A family of four averages about $15,612. To manage commuting costs, prioritize strategies that cut miles and share expenses.

1. Calculate monthly budget impact: multiply your mpg and weekly miles by local gasoline prices to set realistic fuel line items.
2. Reduce solo driving: carpooling or remote work lowers fuel spend and wear-and-tear costs substantially.
3. Compare transit passes: Spokane Transit’s fare options can outpace driving savings on high-mileage commutes.

Spokane Transit Options

Tap into Spokane Transit’s network to cut commuting costs. The system runs 43 routes with weekday service roughly 5:30 AM–11:30 PM. Weekend service is about 8:00 AM–8:00 PM. It offers single-ride, two-hour, day, and 31-day passes. Buy them online, in retail outlets, or on-bus. You’ll weigh public transportation vs. driving. Annual transportation cost averages $9,307 per adult and $15,612 per family. Gasoline prices (~$4.16–$4.45/gal) influence this. Spokane Transit supports regional connectivity, including service toward the airport. Micromobility options like Lime reduce short-trip costs. Use monthly passes to lower per-ride expenses. Compare pass prices, fuel budget, and trip frequency to decide whether transit, driving, or a hybrid approach saves you the most.

Commuting Time and Costs

Because your daily choices drive, take Spokane Transit, or use micromobility. They directly shape your monthly budget. Plan around an estimated $775/month per adult for transportation. This bundles fuel, insurance, maintenance, and other vehicle costs.
You’ll feel gasoline and fuel expenses most when you drive regularly. Local gas has often averaged around $4.16–$4.45/gal in recent years. Weekly commute fills add up. Spokane Transit’s 43 routes and fare passes (single-ride, day, 31-day) offer cheaper alternatives for many trips. Long intercity drives (e.g., Seattle ~279 miles) are uncommon for daily commute.

1. Compare: vehicle ownership + maintenance vs. transit pass costs.
2. Budget: include tires, service, insurance, and fuel expenses.
3. Optimize: mix transit, rideshare, and occasional driving to cut transportation cost.

Healthcare, Insurance, and Personal Care Expenses

When you’re budgeting for healthcare in Spokane, expect higher-than-average out-of-pocket costs in some cost-of-living estimates. Local doctor visits run about $205. Dentist appointments cost $127. Optometrist check-ups are roughly $184. Overall healthcare costs are about 15% above the national norm.

Expect higher-than-average healthcare costs in Spokane. Doctor visits ~$205, dental ~$127, vision ~$184.

You should factor healthcare costs into your monthly healthcare budget explicitly. Count premiums, copays, prescriptions, and routine medical care. Even with insurance, routine OTC meds (ibuprofen ≈ $11.91) and specialist fees add up.
Plan $100–200/month as a base for routine care and copays. Then add premiums and savings for dental and vision. Those services and specialist imaging are often substantially pricier than general visits.
Use an HSA or separate emergency health fund to cover unexpected specialist visits or higher deductibles. Review plan networks to limit surprise bills. Compare local provider fees. Adjust your monthly healthcare budget quarterly so it reflects real spending and keeps you covered without surprises. Additionally, understanding potential hidden costs in healthcare can help you make more informed financial decisions.

Education and Childcare Costs

Education and childcare form key parts of many budgets in Spokane. Public schools are free but often include fees for supplies or activities, around $100–$300 per year per child.
Private school tuition averages $5,000–$10,000 annually per student. Childcare for infants runs about $1,000–$1,500 monthly at centers.
For preschool-age kids, expect $800–$1,200 per month. After-school programs add $200–$500 monthly.
Factor these into your overall expenses if you have children. Compare options like public vs. private to fit your budget.

Taxes, Wages, and How Much You Need to Live in Spokane

Healthcare costs are only one piece of the budget picture. You’ll also need to account for taxes, wages, and overall income to know what you can comfortably afford in Spokane. Living in Spokane benefits from Washington’s no personal income tax. But you’ll pay combined sales taxes around 9.0% (6.50% state + 2.50% Spokane County). This affects everyday spending and costs in Spokane.
The average income is about $52,600/year (~$14.61/hour). Median household income sits near $85,000/year. Unemployment is modest (~5.5%). This supports steady labor demand.
Consider these benchmarks. Check the MIT Living Wage Calculator for more details.

1. Living-wage for a single adult: $22.25/hour (~$46,280/year).
2. Suggested minimum salary: about $33,017 for an individual on a very lean budget.
3. Suggested comfortable salary for a family of four: ~$78,930.

Use these figures to compare rent, transportation, and essentials. If your pay is below the living-wage, you’ll need supplemental income, roommate arrangements, or reduced discretionary spending to cover basic expenses. Additionally, understanding the average hourly rates for services like legal assistance can help you plan for unexpected expenses in your budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Salary Do You Need to Live Comfortably in Spokane?

You need roughly $63k–$78k annually to live comfortably in Spokane. Balance salary benchmarks with commuting costs, leisure spending, savings targets, tax implications, and housing tradeoffs. Adjust upward for family size or higher healthcare and transport.

How Much Should Monthly Rent Cost?

You should target about $900–$1,400 monthly. You’ll compare studio and one-bedroom options, check pet policies, utility allowances, negotiate your lease, pass landlord screening, and prioritize neighborhood safety while using data to budget realistically.

Is Spokane Low Cost of Living?

Yes, you’ll find Spokane relatively low-cost. Housing density and urban growth keep rents down. Food access and commute times are reasonable. Healthcare availability and education quality vary, so factor those specifics into your budget.

What Is the Average Cost of Living Expenses?

Think of a grocery cart weighed down by bills. You’ll spend about $2,800 monthly, covering transportation expenses, childcare costs, utility variations, food spending, healthcare bills, entertainment budget, rent, and other essentials in Spokane.

Conclusion

You can live comfortably in Spokane on a modest budget if you plan carefully. For example, a single professional earning $48,000 annually pays about $1,100 for a one-bedroom rent, about $300 for utilities and internet, $400 groceries, $120 transit, and $200 healthcare/insurance. This leaves room for savings and discretionary spending. Use these figures to build a monthly plan, track actual expenses, and adjust housing or transport choices to keep your budget balanced and realistic.