If you're weighing whether Spokane Valley or Everett is the right spot to call home, you've landed in the right place. Both cities sit in Washington but offer very different vibes—one a suburban sprawl on the Inland Northwest, the other a coastal commuter town on Puget Sound.
This post cuts through the fluff and delivers hard data on housing, jobs, schools, safety and more for 2026. Whether you're a tech worker, a family, or a retiree, the numbers below will tell you which city is the better fit.
Cost of Living
Housing is the biggest driver of cost in both cities. Spokane Valley’s median single‑family home price sits at roughly $420,000, while Everett pushes up to $590,000. A one‑bedroom apartment costs about $1,200 a month in Spokane Valley versus $1,500 in Everett. These price gaps translate to higher monthly housing expenses in Everett, but the larger income base there helps offset the difference.
Utilities and taxes add another layer of cost. Average monthly electricity, water, and gas bills are about $140 in Spokane Valley and $180 in Everett. Property tax rates are 0.54% in Spokane Valley and 0.59% in Everett. Combined with the higher home prices, these taxes keep Everett’s overall housing cost roughly 40% higher than Spokane Valley’s.
The cost‑of‑living index reflects this spread. Spokane Valley sits at 105, slightly above the national average, while Everett is at 115, indicating a more expensive daily life.
| Spokane Valley | Everett | |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $420,000 | $590,000 |
| Median Rent (1‑bedroom) | $1,200 | $1,500 |
| Median Household Income | $55,000 | $65,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 105 | 115 |
Job Market & Economy
Spokane Valley’s economy is anchored by manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare. Boeing has a large assembly plant nearby, Raytheon Technologies operates a regional office, and the Spokane Valley Medical Center is a major employer. The city also hosts a growing tech startup scene thanks to proximity to the Inland Northwest innovation corridor.
Everett’s job market leans heavily on the tech and maritime sectors. Amazon’s Fulfillment Center, Microsoft’s research lab, and the Port of Everett’s shipping operations create a diversified employment base. The city’s unemployment rate is 4.2%, slightly above Spokane Valley’s 4.0%, but the higher wages help balance that.
Remote work is viable in both markets, though Everett’s stronger tech presence means more opportunities for high‑earning telecommuters. Spokane Valley offers a lower cost base for remote workers, but salaries tend to be 10–15% lower overall.
Neighborhoods
Spokane Valley is segmented into family‑friendly subdivisions with moderate walk scores. Green Lakes (ZIP 99014) features homes ranging from $300k to $650k and a walk score of 55. Greenacres (ZIP 99007) offers newer condos in the $350k–$480k range and a walk score of 40. Rock Creek (ZIP 99009) has a mix of older single‑family homes and newer townhouses, with prices from $280k to $540k and a walk score of 30.
Everett’s neighborhoods are more varied. Gulf Hills (ZIP 98201) has homes from $550k to $850k and a walk score of 70, ideal for those who want a blend of walkability and spaciousness. The historic Midland district (ZIP 98205) offers townhomes and duplexes in the $400k–$600k range with a walk score of 45. Lakewood (ZIP 98203) is the most affordable, with homes between $300k and $500k and a walk score of 35.
Safety
Crime rates in Spokane Valley are roughly 5.8 incidents per 1,000 residents, slightly below the state average. The Green Lakes area has the highest property‑crime index in the city, while the northern Greenacres neighborhood sees lower rates. Residents in the eastern Green Lakes corridor should remain vigilant about vehicle thefts.
Everett reports 6.5 incidents per 1,000 residents, a marginally higher figure. The downtown Everett area, especially near the waterfront, sees a concentration of violent crime and should be approached with caution. The quieter Lakewood and Midland districts have crime rates closer to the national average.
Schools
Spokane Valley Public Schools receive an overall rating of 7.5 out of 10 on regional school ranking sites. Spokane Valley High School tops the list with a 9/10 in STEM programs, while private options like the Sacred Heart School offer tuition in the $12,000–$15,000 range.
Everett School District scores higher at 8.0/10. Everett High School earns an 8/10 for extracurriculars, and private institutions such as St. Patrick Catholic School charge $10,000–$13,000 annually. The district also offers a robust early childhood program that ranks in the top 15% statewide.
Lifestyle & Things to Do
Spokane Valley’s culinary scene revolves around family‑friendly diners, such as the Red Fox Tavern, and a few upscale eateries like The Barn. The Spokane River Centennial Trail offers 37 miles of biking and walking. Winters are cold and snowy, with temperatures dropping to -5°F, while summers hover around 85°F.
Everett thrives on its waterfront culture. The Evergreen Park Waterfront hosts farmers markets, concerts, and kayaking. The city’s nightlife is anchored by craft breweries like the Everett Brewing Company and a growing selection of tapas bars. Everett’s climate is mild and wet, with average annual rainfall of 33 inches and winter highs around 38°F.
The Verdict
For families seeking lower housing costs and a stable suburban environment, Spokane Valley is the clear winner. The area’s affordable homes, decent schools, and ample parks make it an ideal setting for raising children.
If you’re a tech professional or someone who values coastal proximity and a vibrant downtown, Everett pays off. Higher wages, better public transportation, and a lively waterfront compensate for the steeper cost of living.
Overall, Spokane Valley offers affordability and safety for budget‑conscious buyers, while Everett delivers a higher‑earning, culturally richer experience for those willing to spend a bit more.
Get the full data‑driven report on any neighborhood at WYLT's neighborhood finder.
Explore neighborhood-by-neighborhood data on WYLT: Spokane Valley, WA (Spokane Valley) · Everett, WA (Everett).
