Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Spokane, WA (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Spokane

Washington
90

Raleigh is 22% more expensive than Spokane.

$1,468/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$1,141/mo ↓ 22%
$82,424/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$65,745/yr ↓ 20%
$377,800 ↑ 16%
Home Value
$326,200 ↓ 14%
$1,487/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,213/mo ↓ 18%
470,763
Population
229,228

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Spokane, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $327/month cheaper in Spokane, saving renters about $3,924/year.

Median household income is $16,679/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $326,200 in Spokane.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Spokane residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Spokane — common questions

Is Raleigh or Spokane cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Spokane is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Spokane?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Spokane it's $1,141/month — a difference of $327/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Spokane?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $65,745 in Spokane. Median household income is $16,679/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Washington?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Spokane?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View Spokane details →

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