Key factors that impact the cost of your Memphis to Spokane move
What to know before moving from Memphis to Spokane
Moving from Memphis to Spokane comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Spokane is generally more expensive than Memphis, 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:
Memphis | Spokane | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,299 | $1,450 |
Average home value | $143,715 | $375,614 |
Average income (per capita) | $48,090 | $60,801 |
Cost of living (single person) | $1,842 | $2,556 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,402 | $6,270 |
Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 6.6% |
Sales tax | 9.75% | 9.0% |
State income tax | 0.0% | 0.0% |
- Rent prices in Spokane are 12% higher than in Memphis, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Memphis.
Home prices in Spokane are 161.4% higher than in Memphis. - Income in Spokane is 26.4% higher than in Memphis, 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 38.8% higher than in Memphis. 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 42.4% higher than in Memphis.
- The unemployment rate in Spokane is 17.50% lower than in Memphis.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Spokane, since the cityโs sales taxes in Spokane are 7.69% lower than in Memphis.
- State income taxes are the same in Spokane and Memphis.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,162.87 in Spokane to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Memphis.
How life is different in Memphis vs. Spokane
Spokane | Memphis | |
---|---|---|
Population | 593,466 | 633,104 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 4 |
Walkability score | 49 | 35 |
Bike friendliness score | 52 | 41 |
Crime Index | 3.0 | 77.49 |
Safety Index | 44.94 | 22.51 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Spokane might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 6% less than Memphis.
- Spokane offers better access to buses and trains than Memphis, based on public transportation ratings. Spokane has a transit score of 6 out of 10 compared to 4 in Memphis. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
- Living in Spokane means youโll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Memphis. Spokane is considered more walkable than Memphis, with a score of 49 out of 100 versus 35 out of 100 in Memphis. 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 Memphis 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 Memphis is rated as 41 out of 100.
- Spokane has a lower crime rate than Memphis based on scores of 3.0 and Memphis's 77.49, 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 Memphis, based on Spokaneโs safety index of 44.94 versus 22.51 for Memphis. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
- The air quality in Spokane and Memphis is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.
Other things to consider for your Memphis 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: Itโs a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโs a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโs license in Washington, visit the state's public utilities commission
- Moving permits: While Washington doesnโt mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Spokane without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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 gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Spokane
With your sights set on "Hooptown USA", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Spokane.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Spokane Valley
- Airway Heights
- Millwood
- Medical Lake
- Fairwood
Best neighborhoods for families
- Medical Lake
- Spokane
- Millwood
- Cheney
- Spokane Valley
Things to do in Spokane
Once youโre settled into your new home in Washington, itโs time to get out and discover what Spokane has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโs something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: Spokane features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including 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 among other spots โ perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during 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 Memphis to Spokane?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Memphis to Spokane are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Memphis are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Memphis to Spokane?
With many people choosing to move from Memphis 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 Memphis to Spokane take?
Moving from Memphis, TN to Spokane, WA covers 2,010 miles and usually takes six to 17 days. Need to move faster? Some Memphis movers offer expedited options. If youโre not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Spokane.