Cost of Living: Spokane, WA vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Spokane

Washington
90
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Spokane is 14% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,141/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↑ 11%
$65,745/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 19%
$326,200 ↑ 73%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 42%
$1,213/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↑ 2%
229,228
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
3.07%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Spokane, WA and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $128/month cheaper in Spokane, saving renters about $1,536/year.

Median household income is $12,342/year higher in Spokane. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Spokane is $326,200 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Spokane residents a significant tax advantage over Pennsylvania's 3.07% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Spokane vs Allentown — common questions

Is Spokane or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Spokane and Allentown?
Median rent in Spokane is $1,141/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $128/month.
Which city has higher income, Spokane or Allentown?
Median household income is $65,745 in Spokane and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $12,342/year higher in Spokane.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Pennsylvania?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Spokane or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Spokane has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,141/mo, while Allentown has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,269/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Spokane details → View Allentown details →

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