Moving from Meridian, ID to Spokane, WA
It is a 412 mi drive, roughly 7h 35m, between Meridian, ID and Spokane, WA. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
412 mi Β· 7h 35m by car Β· WA β OR β ID
Distance & route
| Route through | WA β OR β ID |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 395, I 84, US 30 |
| Major cities en route | Spokane Valley, Nampa, Boise City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Meridian | Spokane | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.391 | 100.346 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 70.695 | 91.196 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.179 | 105.028 | 100.0 |
| Services | 105.58 | 97.059 | 100.0 |
Meridian and Spokane sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $526,994 in Meridian to $395,325 in Spokane, a 2.0% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Meridian 0.0%, Spokane 0.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Meridian | Spokane |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 26Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 17.6" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 11.5" | 17.4" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 53.2Β°F vs 49.8Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: BOISE AIR TERMINAL, ID US, SPOKANE FELTS FLD, WA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Meridian | Spokane |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 124,865 | 229,228 |
| Median household income | $98,686 | $65,745 |
| Median age | 37.4 | 37.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.3% | 20.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.75 | 2.37 |
Spokane households earn about 2.0% less than Meridian at the median β $98,686 β $65,745 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Spokane MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 31,380 | $46,000 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 23,780 | $38,530 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 22,620 | $44,880 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 22,480 | $35,500 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 17,820 | $95,340 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Idaho and Washington
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Washington's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and White Pass on US-12 see frequent chain requirements December through March β check WSDOT mountain passes report.
- Cascade passes on I-84 and OR-58 can require chains or close entirely during winter storms.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Wildfire season east of the Cascades peaks July through September; earthquake preparedness is standard west of the mountains.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Washington after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Spokane more expensive than Meridian?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Spokane is 2.0% higher than Meridian (100.346 vs 98.391, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Meridian vs Spokane?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,745 in Spokane vs $98,686 in Meridian β a 33.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Spokane compare to Meridian?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,920 in the Spokane MSA vs $45,320 in the Meridian MSA, on total employment of 255,160 and 372,470 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Spokane compared to Meridian?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $395,325 in Spokane vs $526,994 in Meridian β a 25.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Spokane, WA from Meridian, ID?
The driving distance is 412 mi and the route typically takes 7h 35m via US 395 and I 84. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Meridian to Spokane?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 412 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Meridian.
City profiles: Meridian, ID Β· Spokane, WA.