Category / Metric	Spokane	Chicago
Financial Overview
Median Income	$65,016	$74,474
Unemployment Rate	4.6%	4.2%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$375,000	$365,000
Price per SqFt	$196	$261
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,012	$1,507
Housing Cost Index	93.6	110.7
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	104.8	103.3
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.65	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	678.0	819.0
Bachelor's Degree+	33.7%	45.7%
Air Quality (AQI)	32	38

Chicago vs. Spokane: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown

So, you’re standing at a crossroads. One path leads to the "City of Big Shoulders," a sprawling, iconic metropolis on the shores of Lake Michigan. The other heads to the "Lilac City," a mid-sized gem tucked away in the Pacific Northwest, surrounded by mountains and pine forests. It’s the Windy City versus the Inland Northwest. A battle of urban giants versus outdoor sanctuary.

Choosing between Chicago and Spokane isn't just picking a zip code; it's choosing a completely different lifestyle. One is a high-voltage, 24/7 hustle. The other is a "slow down and breathe" vibe. Neither is objectively "better," but one will definitely fit you better.

Let’s break it down, category by category, using cold, hard data and some real-talk insights, to help you decide where to plant your roots.

The Vibe Check: Big City Electricity vs. Mountain Town Chill

Chicago is the heavyweight champion of the Midwest. It’s a city that demands you show up, show out, and keep up. The energy here is palpable—from the roar of the "L" train and the buzz of the Loop to the world-class museums, deep-dish pizza debates, and legendary sports culture. It’s a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own personality, from the posh streets of Lincoln Park to the artistic grit of Wicker Park. You’re never bored, but you’re also never alone. This is for the person who thrives on stimulation, opportunity, and the feeling that you’re in the center of the universe (or at least, the Midwest).

Spokane is the anti-big-city. With a population of just 229,451, it feels more like a large town with mountain views than a concrete jungle. The vibe here is unpretentious, active, and deeply connected to the outdoors. You’re a short drive from hiking, skiing, fishing, and kayaking. The city center is revitalizing, but the pace is noticeably slower. It’s a place where "work-life balance" isn’t a corporate buzzword; it’s a daily reality. This is for the person who wants to trade skyscrapers for pine trees, and the subway for a trailhead.

Who is each city for?

Chicago: The ambitious professional, the culture vulture, the sports fanatic, the foodie, and anyone who loves the energy of a dense, walkable urban core.
Spokane: The outdoor enthusiast, the remote worker seeking a better cost of living, the family wanting space and nature, and the retiree looking for an active, scenic lifestyle.

The Dollar Power: What Does Your Salary Actually Get You?

This is where the rubber meets the road. Let’s talk purchasing power. You might earn less in Spokane, but your money often works harder.

First, the raw numbers. We’re looking at the cost of living, which includes rent, utilities, and groceries. (Note: The Housing Index reflects overall housing costs relative to the national average, where 100 is the baseline).

Cost of Living Comparison Table

Expense Category	Chicago	Spokane	The Winner
Median Income	$74,474	$65,016	Chicago (by raw income)
Median Home Price	$365,000	$375,000	Chicago (Slightly cheaper)
Rent (1BR)	$1,507	$1,012	Spokane (Significantly cheaper)
Housing Index	110.7 (10.7% above avg)	93.6 (6.4% below avg)	Spokane
Utilities	~$200/month	~$180/month	Spokane (Slightly cheaper)
Groceries	~1.5x national avg	~1.2x national avg	Spokane
Overall COL	~30% above national avg	~10% above national avg	Spokane

The Salary Wars & Purchasing Power:
Let’s say you earn $100,000. In Chicago, that feels more like $75,000 after you account for the higher cost of living, state income tax (4.95%), and property taxes (which are notoriously high). Your biggest hit is housing. A $1,507 rent for a one-bedroom is standard, but it eats up a larger chunk of your paycheck than in Spokane.

In Spokane, your $100,000 feels closer to $90,000. The biggest advantage is housing. Renting a one-bedroom for $1,012 leaves much more disposable income for savings, travel, or hobbies. While the median home price is slightly higher than Chicago’s, the property taxes are generally lower, and the overall tax burden is lighter.

The Verdict on Dollar Power: Spokane wins for sheer purchasing power. You’ll feel richer here, even if you earn less. Chicago offers higher earning potential (especially in finance, law, tech), but the cost of living eats into that advantage. The sticker shock of Chicago’s taxes and rent is real.

The Housing Market: To Buy or To Rent?

This is a tale of two different markets.

Chicago is a buyer’s market in many neighborhoods. Inventory is relatively high, and you have negotiating power. The median home price of $365,000 is surprisingly reasonable for a major world city. The catch? Property taxes are among the highest in the nation, which can add thousands to your annual carrying costs. Condos and co-ops are plentiful, making homeownership more accessible than in cities like New York or San Francisco. Renting is competitive, especially in desirable areas, but the rental stock is vast.

Spokane has transitioned into a seller’s market, especially in the last few years. The median home price of $375,000 is higher than Chicago’s, and inventory is tight. Bidding wars aren’t uncommon, and homes move fast. This is driven by an influx of remote workers and retirees seeking affordability and outdoor access. Renting is more affordable than buying in the short term, but the rental market is competitive with low vacancy rates.

The Verdict on Housing: Chicago wins for homebuyers seeking more space for their money and less competition. Spokane wins for renters looking for affordability, but potential buyers should be prepared for a competitive market.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life Factors

These are the intangibles that can make or break your daily life.

Traffic & Commute

Chicago traffic is legendary. The "L" is a lifeline, but driving is a test of patience. The average commute is 35-45 minutes. You can live car-free in many neighborhoods, which is a major plus.

Spokane traffic is a breeze. The average commute is around 20 minutes. You can get across town in 30 minutes almost anytime. A car is essentially mandatory, but you’ll spend far less time in gridlock.

Winner: Spokane. By a long shot.

Weather

Chicago is the definition of a continental climate. Winters are brutal, with average lows in January around 21°F and heavy snowfall. Summers are hot and humid, often hitting the 90°F mark. The "windy" part is no joke, especially near the lake. It’s a true four-season experience, but the extremes are challenging.

Spokane has a more moderate climate. It’s a high desert, so it’s drier than the coastal PNW. Winters are cold but manageable, averaging 30°F, with less snow than Chicago. Summers are warm and dry, rarely humid. The biggest downside is the "inversion"—cold air gets trapped in the valley, leading to gray, smoggy days in winter.

Winner: Spokane. For most people who hate extreme cold and humidity, Spokane’s milder winters and dry summers are a huge draw.

Crime & Safety

This is a sensitive but critical topic. We look at Violent Crime rates per 100,000 people.

Chicago: 819.0/100k
Spokane: 678.0/100k

Both cities have crime rates above the national average. Chicago’s number is higher, but it’s crucial to understand context. Chicago is a massive city with deeply segregated neighborhoods. Crime is highly concentrated. You can live in a very safe, low-crime neighborhood in Chicago (like Lincoln Park or Edison Park) and experience minimal risk, while other areas struggle with violence. Spokane’s rate, while lower, is also concentrated in specific areas. Both cities require situational awareness.

Verdict: It’s a draw, but for different reasons. Chicago has a higher overall rate but offers more "safe bubble" neighborhoods. Spokane feels safer on a day-to-day basis due to its smaller size, but the statistics are still concerning. This is a dealbreaker for some.

The Final Verdict: Which City Wins Your Heart?

After crunching the numbers and weighing the lifestyles, here’s our head-to-head verdict.

🏆 Winner for Families: Spokane

Why: More affordable housing (especially single-family homes), lower overall cost of living, safer feeling environment, less traffic, and incredible outdoor activities as a built-in backyard. The public school system is decent, and the community vibe is strong. You get more space and a slower pace, which is gold for raising kids.

🏆 Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: Chicago

Why: The earning potential is higher, the networking opportunities are endless, and the social, cultural, and nightlife scene is unmatched. You can build a career, meet people from all over the world, and never run out of things to do. The walkability and public transit make it an urban playground.

🏆 Winner for Retirees: Spokane

Why: Lower cost of living means retirement savings stretch further. The mild climate (compared to Chicago winters) is easier on the body. Access to hiking, golf, and lakes is exceptional. The healthcare system is solid, and the pace of life is conducive to a relaxing retirement.

Final Pros & Cons

Chicago: The Urban Powerhouse

Pros:

World-class culture: Museums, theater, architecture, food.
Strong job market in diverse industries.
Walkable, public transit-friendly in many areas.
Vibrant, diverse neighborhoods with unique identities.
Major airport hub (O'Hare) for easy travel.

Cons:

High cost of living, especially taxes and rent.
Brutal winters and humid summers.
Traffic congestion and longer commutes.
Higher violent crime rate (though concentrated).
Can feel overwhelming and impersonal.

Spokane: The Outdoor Sanctuary