Key factors that impact the cost of your San Bernardino to Spokane move
What to know before moving from San Bernardino to Spokane
Moving from San Bernardino to Spokane comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Spokane is generally more expensive than San Bernardino, itโs important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
San Bernardino | Spokane | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,950 | $1,450 |
Average home value | $481,419 | $375,614 |
Average income (per capita) | $55,372 | $60,801 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,054 | $2,556 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,469 | $6,270 |
Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 6.6% |
Sales tax | 8.75% | 9.0% |
State income tax | 13.3% | 0.0% |
- Rent prices in Spokane are 26% lower than in San Bernardino, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Spokane.
Home prices in Spokane are 22.0% lower than in San Bernardino. - Income in Spokane is 9.8% higher than in San Bernardino, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Spokane include Key Tronic, URM Stores, and Empire Health Centers Group.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Spokane, since the cost of living for a single person in Spokane is 24.4% higher than in San Bernardino. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Spokane, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Spokane is 40.3% higher than in San Bernardino.
- The unemployment rate in Spokane is 37.74% lower than in San Bernardino.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Spokane, since the cityโs sales taxes in Spokane are 2.86% higher than in San Bernardino.
- One perk of moving to Spokane is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in San Bernardino.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,733.20 in Spokane to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in San Bernardino.
How life is different in San Bernardino vs. Spokane
Spokane | San Bernardino | |
---|---|---|
Population | 593,466 | 222,101 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 7 |
Walkability score | 49 | 45 |
Bike friendliness score | 52 | 44 |
Crime Index | 3.0 | 73.87 |
Safety Index | 44.94 | 26.13 |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- The population of Spokane is about 167% greater than San Bernardino, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
- Getting around Spokane without a car might be more difficult than in San Bernardino. Spokane has a public transportation score of 6 out of 10, whereas San Bernardino is ranked 7. Ratings are based on a cityโs transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
- Living in Spokane means youโll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in San Bernardino. Spokane is considered more walkable than San Bernardino, with a score of 49 out of 100 versus 45 out of 100 in San Bernardino. A cityโs walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
- If cycling is your thing, Spokane is considered more bike-friendly than San Bernardino in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Spokane has a bike-friendliness score of 52 out of 100, while San Bernardino is rated as 44 out of 100.
- Spokane has a lower crime rate than San Bernardino based on scores of 3.0 and San Bernardino's 73.87, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
- You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Spokane than in San Bernardino, based on Spokaneโs safety index of 44.94 versus 26.13 for San Bernardino. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
- You can breathe easy knowing that Spokane has better air quality than in San Bernardino. Spokane has Good air quality, compared to moderate in San Bernardino. Ratings of good to moderate mean very low risk of health concerns, although people with conditions like asthma or allergies could be affected. Beyond the moderate rating, health concerns increase for some or all residents.
Other things to consider for your San Bernardino vs. Spokane move
- Weather: it is advisable to plan your trips to Spokane, WA between the months of August, July and September as these months have more favorable weather.
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: Movers operating within Washington DC city limits are subject to regulation by the Utilities and Transportation Commission, which issues operating permits to household goods moving companies. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a Washington moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Washington does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Spokane. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.When planning a move in Washington state, explore movers' insurance options for added peace of mind. Many moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Enhance your protection by discussing Full Value Protection with the moving company or exploring personalized plans with third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your Washington state moving insurance.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Where to live in Spokane
Now that you've decided to make the move to "Hooptown USA", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Spokane.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Coeur d'Alene
- Airway Heights
- Liberty Lake
- Cheney
- Fairwood
Best neighborhoods for families
- Country Homes
- Town and Country
- Medical Lake
- Spokane
- Millwood
Things to do in Spokane
Now that you've made the move to Washington, itโs the perfect time to explore Spokane. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโs something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Youโll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Spokane, such as the Campbell House, Mobius Discovery Center, Jundt Art Gallery, Avenue West Gallery, and Honor Point Military and Aerospace Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Manito Park, Spokane Falls, Riverfront Park, and Centennial Trail โ along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Spokane Chiefs (Ice hockey), Spokane Indians (Baseball), USL1 Spokane (Soccer) USL League One (men) USL W League (women), or Spokane Shadow (Soccer) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from San Bernardino to Spokane?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from San Bernardino to Spokane are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in San Bernardino are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from San Bernardino to Spokane?
With many people choosing to move from San Bernardino to Spokane in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from San Bernardino to Spokane take?
Moving from San Bernardino, CA to Spokane, WA covers 1,195 miles and usually takes two to eight days. Need to move faster? Some San Bernardino movers offer expedited options. If youโre not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Spokane.