Is Spokane, WA cheaper or more expensive than Boise, ID?

Spokane, WA (RPP 102.7) is more expensive than Boise, ID (RPP 94.2) by about 9.0%.

What salary do I need in Spokane, WA if I earn $100,000 in Boise, ID?

You would need approximately $109,023 in Spokane, WA to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Boise, ID. Formula: $100,000 x (102.7 / 94.2).

Which metro had stronger net migration, Boise, ID or Spokane, WA?

For 2021-2022, Boise, ID had a net gain of 9,007 people, while Spokane, WA had a net gain of 2,477 people. IRS small-flow suppression means these are lower-bound research signals, not complete population-change totals.

Route comparison

Boise, ID vs Spokane, WA: Cost of Living

Compare the cost of living between Boise, ID and Spokane, WA. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.

Source-verified · June 2026BEA Regional Price Parities by MSA, 2022 (Table 4); HUD FY2024 Fair Market Rents (2-BR) Official source ↗

Boise, ID

Overall RPP (US=100): 94.2
Housing RPP: 102.5
Goods RPP: 95.6
2-BR median rent: $1,388/mo

Idaho income tax 5.8% flat (since 2023).

Spokane, WA

Overall RPP (US=100): 102.7
Housing RPP: 92.1
Goods RPP: 109.2
2-BR median rent: $1,304/mo

Washington has no state income tax.

Equivalent salary

Spokane, WA is more expensive than Boise, ID by about 9.0% (RPP 94.2 to 102.7).

$60,000 in Boise, ID

-> $65,414

in Spokane, WA

$100,000 in Boise, ID

-> $109,023

in Spokane, WA

$150,000 in Boise, ID

-> $163,535

in Spokane, WA

This tool provides estimates only. Equivalent-salary figures are derived from BLS Regional Price Parities (RPP) and HUD Fair Market Rents — they are averages, not guarantees. Actual cost of living varies by neighborhood, lifestyle, and individual circumstances. Not financial advice.

Migration signal: Boise, ID vs Spokane, WA

IRS tax-return migration · 2021-2022

Boise, ID

Net people: +9,007
Net rank: #15 of 65
Top origin share: 3%
Top destination share: 2%

Largest source: Los Angeles County, CA. Largest destination: Payette County, ID.

Spokane, WA

Net people: +2,477
Net rank: #24 of 65
Top origin share: 8%
Top destination share: 8%

Largest source: Kootenai County, ID. Largest destination: Kootenai County, ID.

Rent delta: Spokane, WA is $84/mo lower for HUD FY2024 2-BR FMR than Boise, ID. Housing RPP moves from 102.5 to 92.1.

Migration figures are derived from IRS SOI county-to-county migration data for 2021-2022, mapped to metros via Census CBSA delineation. Small county-to-county flows are IRS-suppressed, so per-metro totals are lower bounds. Source: IRS SOI migration data.

Frequently asked questions

Is Spokane, WA cheaper or more expensive than Boise, ID?: Spokane, WA (RPP 102.7) is more expensive than Boise, ID (RPP 94.2) by about 9.0%.
What salary do I need in Spokane, WA if I earn $100,000 in Boise, ID?: You would need approximately $109,023 in Spokane, WA to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Boise, ID. Formula: $100,000 x (102.7 / 94.2).
Which metro had stronger net migration, Boise, ID or Spokane, WA?: For 2021-2022, Boise, ID had a net gain of 9,007 people, while Spokane, WA had a net gain of 2,477 people. IRS small-flow suppression means these are lower-bound research signals, not complete population-change totals.

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