Ralph W. jobs Apr 8, 2026

Commute times in Spokane — how bad?

Been meaning to ask this. I've been here for 5 years and Rent is about $1,141/month for a decent place. Crime rate is something to consider — Spokane sits at 689.6 per 100K. Average temperature is around 50°F, so expect cold winters. The unemployment rate is 3.7%, which is pretty low. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Any help is appreciated. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.

35 upvotes

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Matthew Nguyen Apr 8, 2026

Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.

I'm a chef who relocated here from Chicago about 3 years ago. The main reasons were weather and cost of living.

Pros I've experienced:

- Four distinct seasons

- Diverse dining options

- Strong sense of community

Cons that are real:

- Traffic during rush hour is rough

- Limited shopping options

Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are reasonable, gas is hit or miss.

Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Definitely worth checking out..

34 upvotes