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
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