True Cost of Renting in Spokane

Spokane is Eastern Washington's largest city and the Inland Northwest's economic hub, situated between Seattle (280 miles west) and Missoula (200 miles east). With two major universities nearby (Washington State University 80 miles south, Eastern Washington University in Cheney 20 miles southwest), steady medical and government employment, and some of the most affordable rents of any mid-sized Pacific Northwest city, Spokane offers genuine value for renters seeking to avoid coastal prices.

Neighborhoods & Average Rents

South Hill

Studio:
$800/mo
1 Bed:
$1,100/mo
2 Bed:
$1,600/mo

Residential hillside south of Downtown with mix of older and newer apartment buildings; most desirable area in Spokane by quality of life metrics. Avista Utilities electric. Car-helpful but walkable in some blocks. Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center nearby.

Browne's Addition

Studio:
$700/mo
1 Bed:
$1,000/mo
2 Bed:
$1,400/mo

Historic neighborhood west of Downtown; Victorian apartment buildings with lower rents. Close to Spokane Arena and Manito Park. Avista Utilities electric. Bus access to Downtown and Gonzaga University.

Downtown / Riverside

Studio:
$900/mo
1 Bed:
$1,200/mo
2 Bed:
$1,700/mo

Urban core with newer apartment buildings along the Spokane River gorge (Riverfront Park); loft-style conversions and new construction. STA bus access throughout the city. Walking distance to employer cluster of banks, healthcare, and government offices.

Utility Providers

Electric
Avista Utilities
Water
City of Spokane Water Department
Internet
Comcast Xfinity, Ziply Fiber, Spectrum

Commute & Transportation

Spokane's highway network centers on I-90 (running east to Coeur d'Alene, ID in 30 minutes and west to the Tri-Cities and eventually Seattle) and US-2 (north to Colville). Major employers include Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center, MultiCare Deaconess Hospital, Washington State University Spokane Health Sciences campus, Gonzaga University, the Fairchild Air Force Base (30 miles west), and a growing Amazon fulfillment and logistics center network. The STA (Spokane Transit Authority) bus system provides solid coverage. Spokane International Airport (GEG) is 5 miles west of Downtown.

Rental Market Overview

Spokane is one of the most affordable mid-sized cities in the Pacific Northwest, with rents roughly 40–50% below Seattle. The market has seen 25–30% rent growth since 2019 as remote workers and retirees from western WA and California have relocated, but affordability remains strong. Avista Utilities electric rates are moderate (lower than California, similar to PSE). Washington state prohibits rent control. Cold winters (Spokane averages 47 inches of snow annually) mean heating costs are significant — budget $100–180/month for combined electric and gas in winter. Spokane has no state income tax.

Data last updated: 2026-04

Compare Apartments in Spokane

Enter your rental options below to see the true all-in monthly cost.

Renting in Spokane: Common Questions

What is the average rent in Spokane?
One-bedroom apartments in Spokane range from $1,000/month in Browne's Addition to $1,200/month in Downtown / Riverside. Two-bedroom units range from $1,400 to $1,700/month. These are base rents — add fees, utilities, and amenity costs to get the true all-in monthly cost.
What utilities do I need to set up in Spokane?
In Spokane, electricity is provided by Avista Utilities, water by City of Spokane Water Department, and common internet providers include Comcast Xfinity, Ziply Fiber, Spectrum. Ask the leasing office for the specific unit's average monthly bill rather than a city-wide figure — utility costs vary more by building age and insulation than by location within Spokane.
What neighborhoods are affordable in Spokane?
Browne's Addition is the most affordable of the 3 Spokane neighborhoods covered here, at $1,000/month for a one-bedroom — $200 less than Downtown / Riverside, roughly a 17% gap. That swing is often bigger than any fee or amenity difference between two buildings in the same neighborhood, which is why comparing across neighborhoods matters as much as comparing within one.
Is Spokane expensive to rent in?
Across the 3 neighborhoods covered here, the average one-bedroom in Spokane runs about $1,100/month before fees, utilities, and amenities are added — and those add-ons are exactly what a bare average hides. Spokane is one of the most affordable mid-sized cities in the Pacific Northwest, with rents roughly 40–50% below Seattle. Run the specific units you are considering through RentCompare to see the true all-in monthly cost rather than relying on an area average.

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