Deciding where to move in Washington State often pits the Puget Sound's coastal energy against the Inland Northwest's rugged appeal. Today, we're putting two distinct Washington cities head-to-head: Everett and Spokane. While both offer a mix of urban amenities and natural beauty, they cater to very different lifestyles and budgets.
This comparison is for anyone weighing the pros and cons of staying on the west side versus venturing east, or perhaps looking for a more affordable alternative to Seattle without leaving the state. We'll dive deep into what it's really like to live in Everett and Spokane, from housing costs and job markets to schools and local culture, to help you make an informed decision for your 2026 relocation.
Cost of Living
When it comes to your wallet, Spokane is the clear winner for affordability. The median home price in Spokane is projected to be around $470,000 by 2026, significantly less than Everett's median home price, which we estimate at $700,000. This gap extends to rentals as well: a median 1-bedroom apartment in Spokane typically rents for $1,450 per month, while in Everett, you'll be looking at closer to $2,200 per month for a similar unit. Utilities and everyday expenses like groceries also tend to be slightly lower in Spokane.
Property taxes in Washington are levied at the county level, and while both cities are in counties with no state income tax, property tax rates can vary. Snohomish County (Everett) typically has a slightly higher effective property tax rate compared to Spokane County, which further contributes to the overall cost of homeownership. The overall cost of living index for Everett hovers around 130 (100 being the national average), reflecting its proximity to the expensive Seattle metro area. Spokane, by contrast, sits closer to the national average at an index of 100, meaning your dollar stretches considerably further.
| Category | Everett, WA (Estimated 2026) | Spokane, WA (Estimated 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $700,000 | $470,000 |
| Median 1-Bedroom Rent | $2,200/month | $1,450/month |
| Median Household Income | $95,000 | $75,000 |
| Cost of Living Index (US Avg = 100) | 130 | 100 |
Job Market & Economy
Everett's economy is strongly tied to the aerospace industry, primarily dominated by Boeing's massive assembly plant in Paine Field. This creates numerous high-paying manufacturing and engineering jobs. Other major employers include Providence Regional Medical Center and various tech companies leveraging Everett's proximity to Seattle's tech hub. The unemployment rate in Everett typically mirrors or is slightly lower than the state average, benefiting from the robust Puget Sound job market. Many Everett residents also commute south to Seattle or Bellevue for work, though this often means navigating congested I-5 traffic, with commutes easily exceeding 45-60 minutes each way during peak hours.
Spokane's job market is more diversified. Healthcare is a dominant sector, with major institutions like Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center, MultiCare Deaconess Hospital, and the WSU Health Sciences campus. Education is another pillar, thanks to Gonzaga University, Eastern Washington University, and Spokane Public Schools. While Spokane has a growing tech and manufacturing sector, it's on a smaller scale than Everett's. The unemployment rate in Spokane tends to be slightly higher than the state average but has been steadily improving. Remote work is increasingly viable in Spokane, allowing residents to earn Seattle-level salaries while enjoying a lower cost of living.
Neighborhoods
In Everett, the Port Gardner neighborhood (ZIP 98201) offers charming older homes, many with Puget Sound views, close to downtown amenities, though prices are higher, often ranging from $750,000 to over $1 million. It's relatively walkable, with a Walk Score in the 60s. For a more suburban, family-friendly vibe, Silver Lake (ZIP 98208) is popular, featuring newer construction, good schools, and prices from $600,000 to $850,000. It's less walkable, requiring a car for most errands. South Everett (ZIP 98204) provides more affordable housing options, including townhomes and condos starting around $450,000, with easier freeway access but less distinct neighborhood character.
Spokane's South Hill district (ZIP 99203, 99223) is renowned for its beautiful tree-lined streets, historic homes, and excellent schools. This area, including neighborhoods like Comstock and Manito Park, is affluent, with homes typically ranging from $600,000 to over $1.5 million. Walkability varies, but Manito Park itself is a major amenity. For urban living, Kendall Yards (ZIP 99201) is a revitalized riverfront development, offering modern condos and apartments from $350,000 to $700,000, with a fantastic Walk Score in the 80s due to its shops, restaurants, and river access. North Spokane areas like Shadle Park (ZIP 99205) offer more modest, mid-century homes and suburban amenities, with prices generally from $350,000 to $550,000, appealing to families seeking affordability.
Safety
Like many cities, both Everett and Spokane face challenges with crime, particularly property crime. In Everett, the downtown core and areas immediately adjacent to the waterfront, especially those near transient populations, tend to see higher rates of petty theft, vehicle break-ins, and some drug-related issues. Overall, Everett's violent crime rate is slightly above the national average, while its property crime rate is notably higher, which is common for cities within larger metropolitan areas.
Spokane also contends with higher-than-average property crime rates and some areas of concern for violent crime. Neighborhoods like West Central and parts of Hillyard have historically seen higher crime statistics, including drug offenses and property theft. However, many residential areas, especially on the South Hill and in suburban North Spokane, are considered quite safe. Residents in both cities should practice general urban precautions, but neither city stands out as an exceptionally high-crime location compared to other major U.S. cities; rather, they present typical urban safety considerations.
Schools
Everett Public Schools (District 2) serves the city, and its schools generally receive ratings between 5 and 7 out of 10 from independent ranking sites, varying by specific institution. Jackson High School and Cascade High School are generally considered strong performers. The district offers a range of programs, but competition for top-performing schools can be localized. Private school options include Archbishop Murphy High School, offering a Catholic education. For families prioritizing top-tier public schools, some choose to live in neighboring Mukilteo, which has a highly-rated district that overlaps with parts of South Everett.
Spokane Public Schools (District 81) has a broader range of performance, with some schools rating 3-4/10 and others as high as 7-8/10. Lewis and Clark High School, located on the South Hill, consistently performs well and is a draw for families. North Spokane is also served by the Mead School District, which is generally highly regarded with several schools consistently scoring 8+/10, making it a popular choice for suburban families. Private school options in Spokane include Gonzaga Preparatory School and Saint George's School, both with strong academic reputations. For a family focused purely on top public school ratings, the suburban areas of Spokane (like Mead) may offer a slight edge.
Lifestyle & Things to Do
Everett's lifestyle is distinctly Puget Sound. It offers unparalleled access to marine activities, with its large marina and proximity to the San Juan Islands. Jetty Island, a man-made beach accessible by ferry in summer, is a local gem for kite flying and swimming. Proximity to Seattle (about a 30-minute drive without traffic) means world-class museums, professional sports, and a vibrant nightlife are within reach, though getting there can be a hassle. The climate is typical Western Washington: mild, wet winters, and generally dry, pleasant summers. Cultural attractions include the Funko HQ and the Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum, along with local breweries and eateries.
Spokane, by contrast, embodies the Inland Northwest lifestyle. It boasts more distinct four seasons, with hotter, drier summers perfect for river activities and colder, snowier winters ideal for skiing at nearby resorts like Mt. Spokane or Schweitzer Mountain. Riverfront Park, a legacy of Expo '74, is the city's green heart, offering walking trails, gondola rides over Spokane Falls, and events. Spokane hosts large annual events like Hoopfest (the world's largest 3-on-3 basketball tournament) and Bloomsday (a renowned road race). Its growing food scene includes numerous microbreweries and farm-to-table restaurants. The pace is generally slower than Everett, offering a more relaxed, community-focused vibe.
The Verdict
So, which Washington city should you actually move to in 2026? The choice boils down to your priorities.
If you're a career-driven individual or family seeking higher salaries in the aerospace or tech sectors, value proximity to Seattle's amenities, and can tolerate a higher cost of living and potentially lengthy commutes, Everett is your pick. It offers a direct link to the Puget Sound's economic engine and a mild, maritime climate. However, be prepared for significant housing costs and a generally faster pace of life.
Alternatively, if affordability is your top concern, you crave distinct four seasons with easy access to outdoor recreation (skiing, hiking, river sports), prefer a slower, more community-focused atmosphere, and don't mind being further from a major metropolitan hub, then Spokane is the clear winner. It's an excellent choice for remote workers looking to maximize their income-to-cost-of-living ratio, and families who prioritize a strong sense of community and accessible natural beauty over a bustling urban center. While its job market is smaller, it's robust in healthcare and education, and the overall quality of life per dollar spent is significantly higher.
Explore neighborhood-by-neighborhood data on WYLT: Everett, WA (Everett) · Spokane, WA (Spokane).
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