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SPOKANE’S COST OF LIVING (effective March 7, 2024)
An overview of the general cost of living index for Spokane, WA is displayed above for your reference. Residents in Spokane, WA enjoy a cost-of-living index of 92.3. This index is 14% lower than the Washington average, and 1% higher than the national average. For those living in Spokane, WA, the average cost of goods and services is 12% lower than it is in Washington, and it is 0% higher than the national average. Spokane’s current retail sales tax rate is 9%.
MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME
$63,316
MEDIAN HOME PRICE
$472,989
MEDIAN RENT
$1377 / month
ENERGY BILL
$178.20/ month
GASOLINE
$4.30/ gallon
FOOD:
Loaf of Bread
$4.46
Gallon of Milk
$4.92
Carton of Eggs
$4.53
Passports and Visas
Ensure member and/or dependents have the required passports and/or visa prior to final out-processing. Member and/or dependents are not allowed to final out-process without the required passports/visas in hand for themselves (if applicable) and/or dependents. Members electing the accompanied tour will not be permitted to out-process without having the required passports/visas in hand for themselves (if applicable) and/or dependents.
These actions are necessary to prevent unforeseen hardships to the military members and their families. Therefore, as a last reiteration, it is essential, members do not out-process without having the appropriate passports/visas for themselves (if applicable) and/or dependents.
*Personnel arriving by car in the winter months should ensure their vehicle is winterized, emergency items are on hand, and that drivers are familiar with safe winter driving.
*There are no laws regarding children unattended in residences/vehicles or walking to school for the state of Washington or nearby cities. Guidelines mandated by Fairchild AFB regarding the age at which children may be left alone or may babysit are available through the Family Advocacy Office, 509-247-2787. DSN 657-2787.
*There is no curfew in Spokane.
* On Fairchild, the curfew is as follows: ages 15 and under, 10:00 p.m. - 5:30 a.m.; ages 16 - high school graduation, 11:00 p.m. - 5:30 a.m. (exceptions may be made for chaperoned events or for work related reasons).
1. The following hours are established as curfew for juveniles under the age of 15: 2200 - 0530, seven (7) days a week.
2. The following hours are established as curfew for juveniles, ages 16 through high school graduation: 2300 - 0530, seven (7) days a week.
3. Juveniles may exceed these hours, whether escorted or not, if they are returning from a chaperoned function on or off base or place of employment or with parental permission; however, they must proceed by the most direct route to their assigned quarters. They may also exceed these hours if they are sent on an errand by their parents, guardians, or other persons having the legal charge of such minor(s). After returning from any function, errands, or place of employment, minors will not be allowed to remain on the street, in, or upon any unoccupied premises or grounds within the limits or control of Fairchild AFB.
4. Persons 18 years of age and older, though excluded from the curfew, are prohibited from congregating in crowds within the streets when their actions or conduct are annoying other residents or their actions are such that they constitute an act of vandalism, malicious mischief, harassment, etc.
Defense Service Network (DSN) Dialing Instructions
The DSN is the provider of long-distance communications service for the Department of Defense (DoD). Every installation has a special DSN number and the numbers vary by world-wide location. In order to place a call using DSN, the caller must be using a military phone on an installation. Cell phones cannot dial DSN numbers. When dialing a DSN number from a United States installation to another United States installation, it is unnecessary to dial the DSN 312 area code. When dialing a DSN number to/from overseas locations, the DSN area code must be included. The operator can be reached at commercial (719) 567-1110. Please note that long distance charges may be incurred.
Fairchild DSN: 657-xxxx
Extending Reach and Deterrence through Empowered Airmen.
Fairchild Air Force base has been a part of the Inland Empire since 1942.
With the approach of World War II, the Spokane Chamber of Commerce initiated a program to bring military interests to the city. In September of 1941, Spokane citizens raised approximately $125,000 in less than a week to buy 1,400 acres of land for the base. The land was then given to the War Department and the base was established in 1942 and received its first name, the Spokane Army Depot. After the War, the base was renamed to Spokane Air Force Base. In 1947, the 92d Bomb Group was reactivated at Spokane AFB, and in November of that year, was redesignated as the 92d Bombardment Wing, Very Heavy. In 1951, the base received its current name in memory of Air Force Vice Chief of Staff, General Muir S. Fairchild, a native of Bellingham, Washington who had passed away on active duty in 1950. In 1994, Fairchild AFB was transferred to Air Mobility Command, and the assigned wing was redesignated as the 92d Air Refueling Wing, supporting KC-135 tanker aircraft. For more on the history of Fairchild AFB, visit the installation's homepage (www.fairchild.af.mil/).
Population Type
City of Spokane: As of 1 July 2022, City of Spokane population was, 230,160
Spokane County: As of 1 July 2022, Spokane County population was, 549,690
Fairchild AFB is located in the eastern part of Washington State, in Spokane County. The base is 12 miles west of Spokane and 279 miles east of Seattle. The communities nearest the base are Airway Heights, Medical Lake, and Cheney. People assigned here enjoy a good relationship with the Spokane and surrounding communities, as well as with our Canadian neighbors to the north. Spokane's cost of living is 1% higher than the U.S. average. Off-base sales tax is 9%. There are several ski resorts nearby, and numerous cultural and outdoor activities throughout the year. The base operator's phone number is 509-247-1212, DSN 312-657-1212.
Websites:
www.fairchild.af.mil/
https://my.spokanecity.org/
Overview - Directions - Directions:
Driving West on I-90:
If you are traveling west on I-90, continue through Spokane and take exit 277. This exit will take you to Highway 2 heading west. Continue on Highway 2 through Airway Heights and Fairchild is approximately 3 miles from Airway Heights on the left hand side of the road. You will see signs indicating where to turn into the base.
Driving East on I-90:
If you are heading east on I-90 driving toward Spokane take exit 277B onto Highway 2 heading west. This exit is before you actually go into Spokane. Continue on Highway 2 through Airway Heights and Fairchild is approximately 3 miles from Airway Heights on the left hand side of the road.
Directions from Bus/Train Station:
When leaving the bus/train station, head west on I-90, then take Exit 277 onto Hwy 2. Travel west towards Airway Heights. Fairchild AFB is located 3 miles past Airway Heights.
Directions from the Airport:
Leaving Spokane International Airport (GEG), take West Airport Dr. towards Hwy 2. Travel west towards Airway Heights. Fairchild AFB is located 3 miles past Airway Heights.
There is no government-funded base mass transportation on this installation. The Spokane Transit Authority Bus Route 61 stops at the Visitor Center at the Front gate to the base. Route maps and schedules are available on the Spokane Transit website at the following link. https://www.spokanetransit.com/routes/airport-via-brownes-add/
Government subsidized monthly vanpool fare and monthly bus passes are available for all military and AF civilian personnel of Team Fairchild. To learn more please contact Josh Potter at 509-247-8139 or joshua.potter.2@us.af.mil.
Commercial: 509-247-1212
DSN: 312-657-1212