Cost of Living: Spokane, WA vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Spokane

Washington
90
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Spokane is 62% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,141/mo ↓ 58%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 140%
$65,745/yr ↓ 48%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 92%
$326,200 ↓ 69%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 219%
$1,213/mo ↓ 54%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 117%
229,228
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Spokane, WA and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,601/month cheaper in Spokane, saving renters about $19,212/year.

Median household income is $60,724/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Spokane is $326,200 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Spokane residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Spokane vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Spokane or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Spokane is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Spokane and Cambridge?
Median rent in Spokane is $1,141/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,601/month.
Which city has higher income, Spokane or Cambridge?
Median household income is $65,745 in Spokane and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $60,724/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Massachusetts?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Spokane or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Spokane has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,141/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Spokane details → View Cambridge details →

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