Moving from Portland, OR to Spokane, WA
The 351 mi from Portland to Spokane translate to about 6h 36m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
351 mi Β· 6h 36m by car Β· OR β WA
Distance & route
| Route through | OR β WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 84, US 30, US 395 |
| Major cities en route | Hillsboro, Vancouver, Gresham, Spokane Valley |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Portland | Spokane | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.421 | 100.346 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 106.974 | 91.196 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.222 | 105.028 | 100.0 |
| Services | 125.114 | 97.059 | 100.0 |
Spokane and Portland are close on the overall BEA RPP (105.421 vs 100.346); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Spokane typical home at $395,325 is 4.8% under Portland at $534,638 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Portland -1.1%, Spokane 0.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Portland | Spokane |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 37Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 80Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.6" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 44.1" | 17.4" |
Climate cools by 5.0Β°F on the annual average β 54.8Β°F β 49.8Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PORTLAND KGW-TV, OR US, SPOKANE FELTS FLD, WA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Portland | Spokane |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 642,715 | 229,228 |
| Median household income | $88,792 | $65,745 |
| Median age | 38.6 | 37.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 32.1% | 20.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.24 | 2.37 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 4.8% between Portland and Spokane (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 Oregon 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
- Cascade passes on I-84 and OR-58 can require chains or close entirely during winter storms.
- Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and White Pass on US-12 see frequent chain requirements December through March β check WSDOT mountain passes report.
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
How far is Spokane, WA from Portland, OR?
The driving distance is 351 mi and the route typically takes 6h 36m via I 84 and US 30. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Spokane compared to Portland?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $395,325 in Spokane vs $534,638 in Portland β a 26.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Portland to Spokane?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 351 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Portland vs Spokane?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,745 in Spokane vs $88,792 in Portland β a 26.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Spokane compare to Portland?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,920 in the Spokane MSA vs $55,940 in the Portland MSA, on total employment of 255,160 and 1,206,150 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Spokane more expensive than Portland?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Spokane is 4.8% lower than Portland (100.346 vs 105.421, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Portland.
City profiles: Portland, OR Β· Spokane, WA.