You’ll need roughly $3,500–$4,500 per month to cover typical Spokane costs: rents average $924 for a one‑bed, $1,227 for a two‑bed; utilities plus internet run about $290; groceries around $366 monthly; and transportation can be $775 if you drive. Healthcare and occasional outlays push totals higher, though housing is more affordable than much of Washington. Keep going to see detailed benchmarks, move‑in fees, and practical ways to lower your monthly bills.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for Spokane Residents

To plan your monthly budget in Spokane, start with the big-ticket items: most residents spend about $4,131 per month on average, while median household income sits around $63,316 annually.

You’ll allocate housing costs first—use the median rent as a guide (one-bedroom around $924, two-bedroom near $1,227) but adjust for location and amenities.

Next, factor utilities: combined electricity, gas, water, and internet typically run $222–$290 for a ~915 sq. ft. unit.

Add grocery costs of roughly $366 monthly for a single adult, and include occasional dining out (inexpensive meal ~$15, mid-range dinner for two ~$85).

Don’t forget transportation: average annual transport costs translate to about $775 monthly, and fuel hovers near $3.90–$4.37 per gallon.

Additionally, consider that building a home can often impact long-term financial stability, influencing monthly expenses as well.

Tally fixed and variable lines, set savings and emergency funds as priorities, and compare totals to your income to 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 $1,160 for all apartments, about $924 for one‑beds and $1,227 for two‑beds, with rents down roughly 1.1% year‑over‑year.

Housing is about 9% more affordable than the national average and roughly 10% cheaper than the Washington state average, but median home prices (commonly reported near $287k–$464k) remain well below nearby Puget Sound markets.

Plan for upfront move‑in costs like application fees, security and pet deposits, and use benchmarks such as the 30% rule (a $924 rent implies about $36,960 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 $1,160 and $1,411 per month, with one‑bedroom units around $924 and two‑bedrooms about $1,227.

You’ll see the median rent and average monthly rent sit below national and state averages, reflecting better housing affordability; reported median home prices range from about $287k to $464k.

Rent trends show a modest 1.1% year‑over‑year decline, and Spokane didn’t experience the steep late‑2020 drops seen elsewhere.

If you follow the 30% rule, a $924 one‑bed implies roughly $36,960 gross annual income.

Don’t forget move‑in fees—application charges, security and pet deposits—and 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 $287k–$464k versus higher figures in Tacoma and Seattle, and typical rents fall around $1,160–$1,411 monthly (one‑bedrooms ≈ $924; two‑bedrooms ≈ $1,227).

That affordability translates into a lower Cost of housing relative to state and national averages, with housing costs roughly 9–10% cheaper. Use benchmarks to gauge fit: compare Rent to median household income and apply the 30% rule to spot rent burden risks.

Practical takeaways:

1. Calculate required gross income: ~$36,960 for a $924 one‑bedroom.
2. For a $1,227 two‑bedroom, target ~$49,080.
3. Track small annual rent declines (~1.1%) 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 (usually modest), a security deposit commonly equal to one month’s rent, and any pet deposit if you have animals.

With one-bedroom rent around $924 and two-bedroom near $1,227, these sums add up quickly.

Also budget for utilities activation and renter’s insurance—both often required at lease signing.

If you’re buying, factor down payment and closing costs on median homes ($287k–$464k) and current mortgage rates (~6.6%).

Include potential storage or mover fees, and 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 (electricity, heating/cooling, water) around $221–$223, with electricity near $108, gas/heating about $71, and water roughly $40.

You’ll typically see overall energy and home utility costs reported between $203 and $222 depending on source and dwelling size.

Add internet (60+ Mbps, unlimited) at about $68/month and your combined utilities + internet lands near $290–$291 monthly.

1. Track baseline: budget $221–$223 for utilities and plan $68 for internet to hit ~$290–$291 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 $203 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 $366/month for a single adult (≈$4,391/year); staples like milk cost roughly $3.43–$4.72 a gallon and a dozen eggs about $3.61.

If you’re feeding a family, shopping lower-cost outlets and buying bulk can keep a family of four’s annual grocery bill near $12,905, so store choice meaningfully lowers per-person food costs.

Eating out in Spokane stays reasonable: an inexpensive meal averages $15, while a three-course mid-range dinner for two is about $85. The local scene includes pho, Thai, and fried chicken among affordable restaurants, giving you diverse options for dining without blowing your monthly budget.

For tight budgets, prioritize grocery planning, use discount stores, and 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 (around $9,307/year), with families averaging roughly $1,301/month. Gas runs near $3.92–$4.37 per gallon, so fuel and parking can quickly push driving costs higher, while 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 currently runs about $3.92–$4.37 per gallon, above the national average (~$3.65), so you’ll pay more at the pump and see that reflected in weekly fueling budgets. That gap raises your transportation fuel cost: an average single adult faces roughly $9,307 annually, while 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 and weekend service about 8:00 AM–8:00 PM, and offers single-ride, two-hour, day, and 31-day passes you can buy 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, influenced by vehicle ownership and gasoline prices (~$3.92–$4.37/gal). Spokane Transit supports regional connectivity, including service toward the airport, and 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—driving, taking Spokane Transit, or using micromobility—directly shape your monthly budget, plan around an estimated $775/month ($9,307/year) per adult for transportation, which bundles fuel, insurance, maintenance, and other vehicle costs.

You’ll feel gasoline and fuel expenses most when you drive regularly; local gas averages $3.90–$4.37/gal, so 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: local doctor visits run about $162, dentist appointments $126.60, and optometrist check-ups roughly $183.98, and overall healthcare costs are 11–16% above the national norm.

Expect higher-than-average healthcare costs in Spokane—doctor visits ~$162, dental ~$126.60, vision ~$183.98.

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, and 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.

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), which affects everyday spending and costs in Spokane.

The average income is about $52,600/year (~$14.61/hour) while median household income sits near $63,316–$64,079/year. Unemployment is modest (~5.5%), supporting steady labor demand.

Consider these benchmarks:

1. Living-wage for a single adult: $19.90/hour (~$41,000/year).
2. Suggested comfortable salary: $33,017 for an individual.
3. Suggested comfortable salary: ~$78,930 for a family of four.

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, balancing 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 comparisons, check pet policies, utility allowances, negotiate lease negotiation, 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 $4,131 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, $150 utilities, $300 groceries, $120 transit, and $200 healthcare/insurance — leaving 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.