Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Spokane, WA (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Spokane

Washington
90

Denver is 63% more expensive than Spokane.

$1,770/mo ↑ 55%
Median Rent
$1,141/mo ↓ 36%
$91,681/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$65,745/yr ↓ 28%
$586,700 ↑ 80%
Home Value
$326,200 ↓ 44%
$1,839/mo ↑ 52%
Owner Costs
$1,213/mo ↓ 34%
713,734
Population
229,228

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
0%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Spokane, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $629/month cheaper in Spokane, saving renters about $7,548/year.

Median household income is $25,936/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $326,200 in Spokane.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Spokane residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Spokane — common questions

Is Denver or Spokane cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Spokane is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Spokane?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Spokane it's $1,141/month — a difference of $629/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Spokane?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $65,745 in Spokane. Median household income is $25,936/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Washington?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Spokane?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Spokane details →

More Comparisons

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