Cost of Living: Spokane, WA vs Birmingham, AL (2026)

Spokane

Washington
90
VS

Birmingham

Alabama
62

Spokane is 45% more expensive than Birmingham.

$1,141/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,047/mo ↓ 8%
$65,745/yr ↑ 48%
Median Income
$44,376/yr ↓ 33%
$326,200 ↑ 135%
Home Value
$138,600 ↓ 58%
$1,213/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$991/mo ↓ 18%
229,228
Population
199,322

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Spokane, WA and Birmingham, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 62 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $94/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $1,128/year.

Median household income is $21,369/year higher in Spokane. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Spokane is $326,200 compared to $138,600 in Birmingham.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Spokane residents a significant tax advantage over Alabama's 5.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Spokane vs Birmingham — common questions

Is Spokane or Birmingham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Spokane and Birmingham?
Median rent in Spokane is $1,141/month and in Birmingham it's $1,047/month — a difference of $94/month.
Which city has higher income, Spokane or Birmingham?
Median household income is $65,745 in Spokane and $44,376 in Birmingham. Median household income is $21,369/year higher in Spokane.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Alabama?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Spokane or Birmingham?
It depends on your priorities. Spokane has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,141/mo, while Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with rent of $1,047/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Spokane details → View Birmingham details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Spokane and Birmingham

Spokane vs. Enterprise Spokane vs. Santa Clarita Spokane vs. Norfolk Spokane vs. Fremont Spokane vs. Arlington Spokane vs. Richmond Birmingham vs. Tallahassee Birmingham vs. Sunrise Manor Birmingham vs. Amarillo Birmingham vs. Grand Prairie Birmingham vs. Oxnard Birmingham vs. Montgomery