The East San Gabriel Valley in Southern California and Spokane in Washington State both come with their unique offerings and challenges. East San Gabriel Valley is part of the Greater Los Angeles area, known for its sunny weather, high cost of living, and vibrant food culture. In contrast, Spokane offers a more balanced four-season climate, a lower cost of living, and an accessible outdoors haven for adventurers. This comparison will delve deeper into various aspects including crime and safety, weather, cost of living, education, work and economy, infrastructure, real estate, and more to provide a comprehensive guide for potential residents and tourists.
When compared to national averages, both East San Gabriel Valley (ESGV) and Spokane witness slightly higher crime rates. ESGV's crime rate is slightly above the U.S. average, primarily property crimes and theft. Spokane, on the other hand, observes a significantly higher property and violent crime rate than national averages. It's essential for each individual to be aware of their surroundings and practice good safety measures in both areas.
Cost of Living
Living in the ESGV area is more expensive than Spokane, given its proximity to the city of Los Angeles. The cost of living index in ESGV is above the U.S. average due to higher costs for housing, groceries, utilities, and transportation. In contrast, Spokane has a lower than average cost of living which is often a major draw for potential residents.
Income Tax
California imposes a state income tax, which isn't the case in Washington State. ESGV residents would have to pay California's state income tax, which isn't applicable to Spokane residents.
Property Tax
While California has lower property tax rates, due to high real estate prices in ESGV, homeowners can expect to pay a larger total amount in property taxes compared to those in Spokane.
Sales Tax
California has a higher state sales tax compared to Washington. However, Washington's combined state and average local sales tax rates end up being higher than those in California. Spokane sales tax is higher than that of ESGV.
Income
Type
East San Gabriel Valley
Spokane
Estimated median household income
$95,242
$58,714
Estimated per capita income
$34,474
$33,112
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
150.2
94.2
If you make $50,000 in Spokane, you will have to make $79,724 in East San Gabriel Valley to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
ESGV lies on a plateau bordered by mountains, offering opportunities for outdoor activities. Spokane's geography is more varied, with forests, rivers, and beautiful landscapes perfect for hiking, camping and fishing.
Geographical information
Type
East San Gabriel Valley
Spokane
Land area
212.6 sq. miles
57.8 sq. miles
Population density
4,478.5 people per sq. mile
3,966 people per sq. mile
Relative area comparison
East San Gabriel Valley, CA Spokane, WA
Education
Both areas boast highly rated schools and universities. ESGV is in proximity to major institutes like the University of Southern California & Caltech. Spokane houses universities such as Gonzaga University and Eastern Washington University. The public schooling systems in both areas are commendable, offering various programs and opportunities for students to thrive.
ESGV's economy is diverse with sectors like healthcare, education, manufacturing, and entertainment playing vital roles. Spokane’s economy is also varied, but healthcare and education tend to dominate. Both areas have strong job markets, with growth rates being higher in Spokane as per recent trends.
Biggest Employers
The biggest employers in ESGV include healthcare systems such as Kaiser Permanente and Citrus Valley Health Partners, school districts like Hacienda La Puente, and retail giants such as Target. In Spokane, prominent employers include Providence Health Care, Fairchild Air Force Base, and Walmart.
In East San Gabriel Valley (Los Angeles County), 69.7% voted for Democrats and 27.8% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Spokane (Spokane County), 45.4% voted for Democrats and 51.2% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
East San Gabriel Valley
Spokane
East San Gabriel Valley
Spokane
East San Gabriel Valley
Spokane
2020
71.0%
46.0%
26.9%
50.4%
2.1%
3.6%
2016
72.0%
39.8%
22.5%
48.2%
5.5%
12.0%
2012
69.7%
45.4%
27.8%
51.2%
2.4%
3.4%
2008
69.2%
48.0%
28.8%
49.1%
1.9%
2.9%
2004
63.3%
43.3%
35.7%
55.2%
1.0%
1.6%
2000
63.6%
43.5%
32.4%
52.1%
4.0%
4.5%
1996
59.3%
45.0%
31.0%
41.8%
9.7%
13.1%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
East San Gabriel Valley
Spokane
East San Gabriel Valley
Spokane
CATHOLIC CHURCH
36.1%
13.1%
4.7%
6.5%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.0%
1.0%
9.0%
4.6%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.7%
0.1%
1.0%
0.2%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.5%
0.1%
3.1%
1.9%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.5%
0.9%
2.4%
3.6%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.5%
1.4%
1.7%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.2%
1.9%
1.9%
4.6%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.2%
0.9%
1.6%
2.2%
Weather
ESGV, CA has a Mediterranean climate featuring mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Temperatures rarely go below 40 degrees or above 90 degrees. Spokane, in contrast, experiences a four-season climate. The winters are reasonably cold with averages dropping below freezing while summers are hot with temperatures often reaching the 90s.
Weather and climate
Type
East San Gabriel Valley
Spokane
Temperature - Average
62.7°F
47.3°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
64.7%
68.4%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
19.6%
61%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
70.7%
87%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
51%
26%
Precipitation - Yearly average
19.1 in
16.9 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
85 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
28.3%
14.3%
Sunshine amount - Average
78.4%
56.5%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
22%
56%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
85%
78%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
63%
22%
Wind speed - Average
3.7 mph
9.4 mph
Average climate in East San Gabriel Valley, California
Average climate in Spokane, Washington
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
East San Gabriel Valley
Spokane
East San Gabriel Valley
Spokane
East San Gabriel Valley
East San Gabriel Valley
East San Gabriel Valley
East San Gabriel Valley
Spokane
East San Gabriel Valley
Spokane
East San Gabriel Valley
2018
143
92
0.36
N/A
14.1
N/A
29.2
N/A
0.007
N/A
29.6
24.8
13.4
9.9
0.3
N/A
2017
150
91
0.35
N/A
14.8
N/A
30.5
N/A
0.007
N/A
32.7
22.7
12.6
10.7
0.3
N/A
2016
141
61
0.31
N/A
15.5
N/A
29.3
N/A
0.007
N/A
30.3
18.4
12.0
6.6
0.3
N/A
2015
145
81
0.30
N/A
15.2
N/A
30.4
N/A
0.007
N/A
30.0
23.4
14.6
9.4
0.2
N/A
2014
142
67
0.32
N/A
16.8
N/A
29.7
N/A
0.008
N/A
33.6
19.7
11.7
7.9
0.3
N/A
2013
147
82
0.33
N/A
17.0
N/A
27.7
N/A
0.007
N/A
31.5
21.7
11.5
8.9
0.4
N/A
2012
149
73
0.39
N/A
18.3
N/A
27.5
N/A
0.005
N/A
30.9
23.5
15.6
8.0
0.6
N/A
2011
149
65
0.40
N/A
18.6
N/A
26.7
N/A
0.008
N/A
30.3
N/A
17.3
7.9
0.5
N/A
2010
139
67
0.44
N/A
19.3
N/A
26.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
26.6
N/A
14.8
7.4
0.4
N/A
2009
156
65
0.40
N/A
21.0
N/A
28.0
N/A
0.010
N/A
26.0
N/A
16.5
7.8
0.6
N/A
2008
156
74
0.48
N/A
22.7
N/A
27.7
N/A
0.012
N/A
27.0
27.2
15.1
9.0
1.0
N/A
2007
135
80
0.52
N/A
25.3
N/A
24.8
N/A
0.014
N/A
N/A
24.3
N/A
9.0
1.3
N/A
2006
128
92
0.55
N/A
25.1
N/A
24.0
N/A
0.009
N/A
N/A
26.4
N/A
9.8
1.9
N/A
2005
127
86
0.59
N/A
25.7
N/A
22.8
N/A
0.014
N/A
N/A
26.6
N/A
9.9
1.9
N/A
2004
132
94
0.68
N/A
25.4
N/A
24.6
N/A
0.016
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.5
1.7
N/A
2003
137
86
0.80
N/A
29.9
N/A
24.7
N/A
0.021
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.7
1.4
N/A
2002
134
79
0.83
1.13
31.4
N/A
23.1
N/A
0.021
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.6
2.0
N/A
2001
141
85
1.00
1.01
31.8
N/A
21.4
N/A
0.029
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.6
2.1
N/A
2000
150
82
1.05
0.98
34.7
N/A
20.7
N/A
0.027
N/A
N/A
19.2
N/A
11.5
2.0
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
East San Gabriel Valley
Spokane
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
18.5%
9.4%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
7,292.4%
1,073.7%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
57%
17%
Transportation
ESGV has robust public transit with multiple bus lines and connections to Metrolink and Amtrak services. Spokane’s public transit primarily revolves around bus service provided by Spokane Transit Authority. Spokane also has a simpler highway system leading to shorter commute times compared to ESGV.
Transport
Type
East San Gabriel Valley
Spokane
Amtrak stations
0
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
1
FAA registered aircraft
0
387
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
0
2
Means of transportation to work
Type
East San Gabriel Valley
Spokane
Bicycle
0.6%
1.2%
Bus
2.9%
2.4%
Carpooled
17.1%
8.1%
Car alone
73.3%
83.2%
Motorcycle
0.2%
0.1%
Railroad
0.6%
0%
Walked
2.2%
4.1%
Average travel time to work
Type
East San Gabriel Valley
Spokane
Average
32.3 min
24.8 min
Real Estate
ESGV’s real estate market is considerably pricier than Spokane’s due to its location in suburban Los Angeles. The median home value in ESGV is significantly higher than in Spokane, where housing is more affordable.
Neighborhoods
ESGV is known for its diverse and affluent neighborhoods like Diamond Bar and Walnut. Spokane is home to a mix of historic and newer neighborhoods offering a range of architectural styles – from Browne's Addition with early-century mansions to the modern Kendall Yards.
Houses and residents
Type
East San Gabriel Valley
Spokane
Houses
270,240
99,251
Average household size (people)
3.5
2.3
Houses occupied
263,338 (97.4%)
94,748 (95.5%)
Houses occupied by owners
180,683 (68.6%)
54,499 (57.5%)
Houses occupied by renters
82,655 (31.4%)
40,249 (42.5%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,935
$620.37
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$1,138,428
$126,710
Estimated median house or condo value
$643,048
$318,200
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.7
3.9
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.9
6.8
Renting percentage
32.3%
42.4%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,270.8
1,718.4
Household income disparities
40.3%
44.5%
Housing units without a mortgage
26,635 (16.4%)
766 (2.1%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
515 (0.3%)
2,784 (7.5%)
Housing units with a mortgage
136,243 (83.6%)
36,544 (97.9%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
11,429 (7%)
22 (0.1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
21,150 (13%)
3,852 (10.3%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1%
1.2%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
25,753
4,150
State government workers
13,845
5,528
Unpaid family workers
1,494
21
Industries and Occupations
In ESGV, principal industries include healthcare, social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. Spokane's economy is primarily driven by healthcare, retail trade, and educational services. Both cities also have a significant presence in the arts, entertainment, and hospitality industries.
Both ESGV and Spokane have extensive healthcare facilities. ESGV benefits from being close to LA, having easy access to renowned hospitals. In Spokane, health systems like the Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center and Children's Hospital are well established.
Health (county statistics)
Type
East San Gabriel Valley
Spokane
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Infrastructure-wise, ESGV, being part of the Greater Los Angeles area, boasts well-established public amenities. Spokane, while less expansive, has been seeing significant growth in its infrastructure, particularly in the technology and health sectors.
Infrastructure
Type
East San Gabriel Valley
Spokane
TV stations
24
13
Culture and Food
ESGV is a hub for various cultures, particularly Hispanic and Chinese, which is evident in its food scene. Spokane, while less culturally diverse, offers a robust food scene with a focus on farm-to-table dining and wineries.
Sports Teams
Sports fans will find more in the ESGV area considering the proximity to Los Angeles, from the Lakers in basketball to Dodgers in baseball. Spokane residents, however, are passionate about their local college sports teams such as the Gonzaga Bulldogs.
East San Gabriel Valley, CA
Spokane, WA
