Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Spokane, WA (2026)

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Spokane

Washington
90

Atlanta is 36% more expensive than Spokane.

$1,617/mo ↑ 42%
Median Rent
$1,141/mo ↓ 29%
$81,938/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$65,745/yr ↓ 20%
$420,600 ↑ 29%
Home Value
$326,200 ↓ 22%
$1,695/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,213/mo ↓ 28%
499,287
Population
229,228

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Spokane, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $476/month cheaper in Spokane, saving renters about $5,712/year.

Median household income is $16,193/year higher in Atlanta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $326,200 in Spokane.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Spokane residents a significant tax advantage over Georgia's 5.49% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs Spokane — common questions

Is Atlanta or Spokane cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Spokane is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Spokane?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Spokane it's $1,141/month — a difference of $476/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Spokane?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $65,745 in Spokane. Median household income is $16,193/year higher in Atlanta.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Washington?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Atlanta or Spokane?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/mo, while Spokane has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,141/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Atlanta details → View Spokane details →

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