Why More Retirees Are Quietly Choosing Spokane Over Arizona or Florida

Retirement isn’t just about the house — it’s about the pace, the people, the cost, and the climate. And more often than not, people nearing retirement age are rethinking their original plans. The lure of endless sunshine in Arizona or coastal breezes in Florida still has its appeal, but for a growing number of retirees, Spokane is quietly becoming the more balanced — and more livable — choice.

From housing prices and healthcare to lifestyle rhythm and tax implications, here’s a full breakdown of why Spokane is climbing the list for those planning their next chapter.

The Climate Tradeoff: Mild Extremes vs. Unrelenting Heat

The most common question centers around weather. Spokane offers four true seasons — summer highs in the 80s and low 90s, winter snow that comes and goes, and a fall that rivals anywhere in the country. Winters bring cloudy days, yes, but they rarely shut things down. Unlike coastal or desert markets, there’s no hurricane season, no sandstorms, and no 110-degree stretches that last for months.

While Arizona and Florida both have warm reputations, the reality is that extreme heat — especially in places like Phoenix — often keeps people indoors for nearly half the year. By contrast, Spokane’s winter cold becomes a manageable tradeoff. It’s not uncommon to hear that locals prefer a couple months of snowy mornings over five months of forced air conditioning.

Housing Affordability: Where Budgets Stretch

Home prices in Spokane hover around $420,000, which is significantly lower than comparable cities with similar amenities. Even higher-end neighborhoods like Liberty Lake, which offer lake access and newer construction, are still averaging in the high $500,000s — far below Scottsdale, Naples, or Orange County.

For buyers in the $600K to $700K range, the Spokane area offers options ranging from single-level ranchers and updated condos to active 55+ communities with walking paths, pickleball courts, and social clubs. And unlike many parts of the country, most of these options are just 15 to 20 minutes from major medical facilities, grocery stores, and the airport.

Taxes and Take-Home Value

Washington’s lack of state income tax makes it especially friendly for retirees living on fixed incomes. Social Security and pension income aren't taxed at the state level, which keeps things simple compared to Arizona’s flat 2.5% tax on income. Florida also has no income tax, but other costs can chip away at the savings.

New tax developments for 2025 are worth noting. Washington’s capital gains excise tax now includes a top tier of 9.9% on profits above $1 million. The state’s estate tax exclusion is set at $3 million for the second half of the year. And depending on where you live, local jurisdictions may implement a new 0.1% sales tax to fund public safety.

Then there’s fuel. In July, Washington raised its gas tax by six cents per gallon, with automatic increases slated to continue each year. On top of that, Washington’s Climate Commitment Act — while not technically a tax — functions like one. Fuel suppliers purchase carbon credits in quarterly auctions, and the cost is passed directly to consumers. Recent estimates suggest this adds an average of 40–50 cents per gallon.

The ripple effect? Higher delivery costs for goods and groceries. It’s a hidden cost that needs to be accounted for — especially if road trips and family visits are a regular part of retirement.

The Insurance Curveball

Homeowners insurance is a financial wildcard in most retirement markets. In Florida, standard policies can cost $8,000 to $11,000 per year, and that’s assuming coverage is even available. Several insurers have exited the market entirely.

In contrast, Spokane’s average premiums rarely exceed $2,000 a year. Even with wildfire risk, premiums here remain relatively tame. That alone can offset some of the taxes or gas costs and often becomes a deciding factor for budget-conscious retirees.

Daily Life: What It Actually Feels Like

Spokane’s lifestyle is slower — but not sleepy. It’s not a retirement bubble with golf carts on every street. It’s a walkable, active city with just enough energy to keep things interesting. Morning walks on the Centennial Trail, quick hikes from your front door, afternoon wine tastings, or catching a ballgame at Avista Stadium are all within reach.

With 76 lakes within an hour’s drive, there’s no shortage of places to kayak in July or snowshoe in January. Neighborhoods feel grounded. Local businesses are woven into daily life. And most of all, there’s a noticeable absence of the hustle culture that defines many larger metros. For those looking to ease into their next phase of life with clarity and space, that matters.

Healthcare Access: Better Than Expected

Spokane punches well above its weight when it comes to healthcare. It serves as the regional medical hub for eastern Washington, north Idaho, and parts of Montana. Facilities include Providence Sacred Heart, the Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center, Kaiser clinics, and a growing footprint from MultiCare, which recently broke ground on a new campus in Spokane Valley.

For most residents within city limits, it’s rare to be more than 15 to 20 minutes from a major medical center. And for many retirees, that convenience is just as important as the quality of care itself.

Staying Connected: Airport Access and Family Travel

Spokane International Airport is compact, reliable, and surprisingly connected. With nonstop flights to cities like Seattle, Portland, Salt Lake City, Dallas, Chicago, and multiple California hubs, getting to grandkids — or welcoming them for a visit — is easy.

The airport itself is rarely congested, meaning most travelers can arrive 30–45 minutes before boarding and still make their flight. For longer trips, Seattle is about 4.5 hours by car — far enough to feel separate, but close enough if needed.

The Perception vs. The Reality

Spokane is not as cheap as it once was. But compared to the metros where most retirees are coming from, it still feels like a value. For those from Los Angeles, the Bay Area, or Phoenix, it’s a place where the dollar stretches further, the pace is healthier, and the landscape still feels undiscovered.

The winters are a valid concern, but most adjust quickly. And many use it as an excuse to plan January vacations to sunnier places. The city may not have a beach — but it does offer year-round access to lakes, mountains, and trail systems that beat many coastal cities in sheer proximity.

A New Kind of Retirement City

Spokane trades weather extremes for balance, unpredictable costs for steady planning, and sprawl for access. It offers real neighborhoods, genuine seasons, and the kind of lifestyle that doesn’t feel manufactured.

It might not be the first place retirees think of — but for many, it’s the last place they’ll ever need to look.