54
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
69
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
It's a tie 3–3
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Spokane wins 3–3 overall (69/100)
💰 Spokane is more affordable
💼 Spokane has lower unemployment
🛡️ Seattle has fewer disasters
📋 Seattle vs Spokane — The Verdict
It's a close call — Seattle (54.8/100) and Spokane (69/100) each win 3 categories. On affordability, Spokane has a clear edge with home prices 67% lower. Spokane may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Spokane are 67% lower — a difference of $593,000 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Spokane saves you $885/month — that's $10,620 per year.
💵
Households in Seattle earn $52,752 more per year (83% higher median income).
🛡️
Seattle has experienced 3 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$879,900
$286,900
Median Rent /mo
$1,945
$1,060
Median Income
$116,068
$63,316
The affordability gap is significant — Spokane offers home prices 67% lower than Seattle, translating to $593,000 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.7%
4.7%
Job markets are essentially equivalent in both cities — the difference in unemployment rates is negligible. Focus on which city has more openings in your specific field.
Air Quality (AQI)
0
13 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Environmental conditions are broadly similar between the two cities based on current EPA monitoring data.
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
❌ No
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Disasters (20 years)
14
17
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Seattle to Spokane: Common Questions
Is Seattle or Spokane cheaper to live in?
Spokane is more affordable overall. Home prices are $593,000 lower in Spokane. Monthly rent is $1,060 in Spokane vs $1,945 in Seattle.
Does Seattle or Spokane have better weather?
Seattle scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 40/100).
Is Seattle or Spokane better for finding a job?
Spokane currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.7% in Seattle vs 4.7% in Spokane. Median household income is $116,068 in Seattle and $63,316 in Spokane.
Which city is safer — Seattle or Spokane?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Seattle is safer. Seattle has had 14 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 17 in Spokane. Seattle scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Spokane.
Should I move from Seattle to Spokane?
Based on our data, Spokane scores 69.0/100 vs Seattle's 54.8/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Spokane is more affordable, while Seattle has a better climate.
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📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals,
EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data.
Last updated: April 4, 2026.