Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Spokane, WA (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Spokane

Washington
90

Austin is 49% more expensive than Spokane.

$1,655/mo ↑ 45%
Median Rent
$1,141/mo ↓ 31%
$91,461/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$65,745/yr ↓ 28%
$512,700 ↑ 57%
Home Value
$326,200 ↓ 36%
$1,747/mo ↑ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,213/mo ↓ 31%
967,862
Population
229,228

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Spokane, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $514/month cheaper in Spokane, saving renters about $6,168/year.

Median household income is $25,716/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $326,200 in Spokane.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Spokane — common questions

Is Austin or Spokane cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Spokane is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Spokane?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Spokane it's $1,141/month — a difference of $514/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Spokane?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $65,745 in Spokane. Median household income is $25,716/year higher in Austin.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Washington?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or Spokane?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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 Austin details → View Spokane details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Austin and Spokane

Austin vs. San Jose Austin vs. Jacksonville Austin vs. Dallas Austin vs. Fort Worth Austin vs. San Diego Austin vs. Columbus Spokane vs. Enterprise Spokane vs. Santa Clarita Spokane vs. Norfolk Spokane vs. Fremont Spokane vs. Arlington Spokane vs. Richmond