Moving from Spokane Valley, WA to Spokane, WA
Moving from Spokane Valley, WA to Spokane, WA is a 13 mi drive, about 20 min by car. This is a local relocation — same-day moves are typical — but cost-of-living, housing, and tax lines still shift enough to plan around. The sections below pull current figures from BEA, the Census Bureau, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA for a side-by-side look.
13 mi · 20 min by car · WA
Distance & route
| Route through | WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, US 2, US 395 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Spokane Valley | Spokane | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.346 | 100.346 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 91.196 | 91.196 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.028 | 105.028 | 100.0 |
| Services | 97.059 | 97.059 | 100.0 |
Spokane and Spokane Valley are close on the overall BEA RPP (100.346 vs 100.346); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home values are comparable between the two cities on the latest Zillow ZHVI.
YoY change: Spokane Valley +0.7%, Spokane 0.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Spokane Valley | Spokane |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50°F | 50°F |
| January avg low | 26°F | 26°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | — | — |
| Annual precipitation | 17.4" | 17.4" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 49.8°F vs 49.8°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: SPOKANE FELTS FLD, WA US, SPOKANE FELTS FLD, WA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Spokane Valley | Spokane |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 105,460 | 229,228 |
| Median household income | $70,722 | $65,745 |
| Median age | 37.6 | 37.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.7% | 20.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.37 |
Median household income in Spokane is 0.0% below Spokane Valley ($70,722 → $65,745, 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.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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 — 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.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Spokane compared to Spokane Valley?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $395,325 in Spokane vs $408,888 in Spokane Valley — a 3.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Spokane Valley to Spokane?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 13 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Spokane, WA from Spokane Valley, WA?
The driving distance is 13 mi and the route typically takes 20 min via I 90 and US 2. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Spokane Valley vs Spokane?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,745 in Spokane vs $70,722 in Spokane Valley — a 7.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Spokane compare to Spokane Valley?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,920 in the Spokane MSA vs $48,920 in the Spokane Valley MSA, on total employment of 255,160 and 255,160 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Spokane Valley.
City profiles: Spokane Valley, WA · Spokane, WA.