Cost of Living: Spokane, WA vs Alexandria, VA (2026)

Spokane

Washington
90
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Spokane is 48% cheaper than Alexandria.

$1,141/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↑ 78%
$65,745/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↑ 73%
$326,200 ↓ 53%
Home Value
$696,800 ↑ 114%
$1,213/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↑ 79%
229,228
Population
156,788

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Spokane, WA and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $890/month cheaper in Spokane, saving renters about $10,680/year.

Median household income is $47,893/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Spokane is $326,200 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Spokane residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Spokane vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Spokane or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Spokane is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Spokane and Alexandria?
Median rent in Spokane is $1,141/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $890/month.
Which city has higher income, Spokane or Alexandria?
Median household income is $65,745 in Spokane and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $47,893/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Virginia?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Spokane or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Spokane has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,141/mo, while Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with rent of $2,031/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Spokane details → View Alexandria details →

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