Living in Spokane, WA
Explore Things To Do, Cost of Living, Top Restaurants and More

• 2026 Top 100 Best Places to Live
• 2025 Top 100 Best Places to Live

Thinking of moving to Spokane, WA? You’ve come to the right place! You will find all the details about living here, from insight into the quality of life and cost of living to details about industry and job opportunities to lists of fun things to do.

Why You’ll Love Living in Spokane, WA

Located along the Spokane River and adjacent to the Selkirk Mountains, Spokane, WA, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. With unparalleled access to outdoor adventures year-round, an eco-consciousness that keeps the city and its surrounding area pristine, and high scores in the education category, it’s no wonder people love living in Spokane.

We’re talking mountain biking, kayaking (76 lakes within an hour’s drive!), skiing, snowboarding and other adventures. Keep in mind that Canada is less than 100 miles away, and Idaho is a hop, skip and a jump from here. For those who love being outside but not so much tromping through the woods, the outdoors extends to the nearly two dozen wineries to explore, many within walking distance of one another.

The city’s 230,407 locals are also blessed with excellent health care and education options, not to mention a low cost of living and a thriving economy. What else could you ask for, you wonder? The local economy is diverse, so much so that it is considered a central hub for the Inland Northwest, including parts of Washington, Idaho, Montana and Oregon.

The city has a penchant for volunteerism, so there are plenty of opportunities to be a part of the community, whether professionally or personally. This Pacific Northwest city offers adorable coffee shops, a creative culinary scene, breweries, wineries and tasting rooms, as well as some really cool mid-century architecture.

Top Reasons to Move to Spokane

• Spokane residents enjoy balance, and the city provides all the amenities of a major metro – like a medical district and an international airport – with a lower price tag and a tight-knit community feel.
• With a booming craft beverage scene and more than 35 breweries along the Spokane Ale Trail, Spokane is a foodie destination.
• Spokane is affordable compared to its nearby neighbors, Seattle and Portland, and residents benefit from Washington’s no state income tax.
• Home to the University District and two of the largest medical systems in the Inland Northwest, Spokane is a regional hub for health care and higher education. 

Spokane is a beautiful city in eastern Washington, about 280 miles east of Seattle, accessible via Interstate 90 and U.S. Route 2. Spokane International Airport is just 5 miles west, offering convenient flights. Geographically, the city sits in the Inland Northwest, with rolling hills and the majestic Rocky Mountains in the distance, providing a scenic backdrop for hikes and explorations. When you’re ready to explore, here’s how close you are to some major nearby cities:  

• Seattle is 280 miles west, offering the Space Needle, Museum of Pop Culture and Pike Place Market.
• Portland, OR, sits 300 miles southwest, home to the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry and the Lan Su Chinese Garden.
• Coeur d’Alene, ID, is just 30 miles west, boasting the scenic beauty of Lake Coeur d’Alene, the Coeur d’Alene Resort and the Tubbs Hill Natural Area. 

Spring and fall are shorter in this area than in other parts of the country, and the Cascade Mountains keep the area from being as wet as others in the Pacific Northwest.

Newcomers to Spokane often find diverse opportunities in everything from health care and public services to manufacturing and education. The community has also recently seen a rise in the finance and technology sectors. Some of the largest employers are Providence Health & Services, MultiCare Health System, Gonzaga University and Fairchild Air Force Base.

The cost of living in Spokane is below the national average. The median home value in Spokane is $395,808, and the average household income is $70,190.

There is not a state income tax in Washington. In 2026, the combined sales tax rate in Spokane is 9.1%.

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Spend five minutes in Spokane, and you’ll notice all this city has to offer. The city boasts a vibrant arts scene, featuring museums like the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture and performance venues like The Fox Theater, Spokane Civic Theatre and The Bing Crosby Theater. Take a trip back in time at the Campbell House or a self-guided tour to see the city’s historic buildings. 

For outdoor enthusiasts, Spokane provides plentiful parks and trails, including Riverfront Park, with its iconic Looff Carrousel and views of the Spokane Falls. The green gardens at Manito Park are a can’t-miss. Residents also enjoy annual events like Hoopfest, the world’s largest 3-on-3 basketball tournament, and the Lilac Bloomsday Run. Shopping and dining options abound, with the Garland District and River Park Square offering a mix of local boutiques, galleries, shops and eateries.

Spokane is positively scenic. Riverfront Park, a historic site from the 1974 World’s Fair, is a central hub featuring the Spokane Falls, Looff Carrousel and the Numerica SkyRide, which provides breathtaking views. The park also has the world’s largest Radio Flyer wagon, making it a popular spot for families. The 40-mile Centennial Trail is perfect for walking, running and biking and connects downtown to Riverside State Park.

Outside the city, residents can access lakes and rivers for canoeing, kayaking and fishing. Manito Park offers botanical gardens and serene walking paths, while Riverside State Park provides 9,000 acres for hiking, rock climbing and horseback riding. In winter, ski or snowboard at Mount Spokane or ice skate at Riverfront Park’s Numerica Skate Ribbon. Plus, there are lots of golf courses known for their scenic beauty and well-maintained greens.

Spokane is serious about eating local, and luckily, the region has so much to offer, from salmon caught in Eastern Washington rivers to fresh vegetables grown on local farms. The local food scene is a tasty mix of fresh, local food, craft drinks and global flavors. Restaurants pride themselves on sourcing local ingredients from the surrounding farms, offering everything from classic American comfort food at Frank’s Diner to innovative Italian cuisine at Gander and Ryegrass and a wide array of international options.Coffee culture is big here, with spots like Atticus Coffee & Gifts and Indaba Coffee Roasters. The craft beverage scene is equally impressive, with a booming brewery culture. There are over 35 breweries along the Spokane Ale Trail, like No-Li Brewhouse and Iron Goat Brewing. Washington’s wine is top-notch, and Spokane has plenty of wineries and tasting rooms. Plus, distilleries like Dry Fly add to the variety. There’s something for everyone to eat and drink.

Spokane students have options. The Spokane Public Schools district is the largest in town, serving nearly 30,000 K-12 students, with a strong focus on STEM education. The area has many private schools, ranging from religiously affiliated to independent institutions.