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

Spokane

Washington
90
VS

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73

Spokane is 23% more expensive than Fayetteville.

$1,141/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,179/mo ↑ 3%
$65,745/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$56,395/yr ↓ 14%
$326,200 ↑ 90%
Home Value
$171,900 ↓ 47%
$1,213/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,156/mo ↓ 5%
229,228
Population
209,692

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Spokane, WA and Fayetteville, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $9,350/year higher in Spokane. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Spokane is $326,200 compared to $171,900 in Fayetteville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Spokane vs Fayetteville — common questions

Is Spokane or Fayetteville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Spokane and Fayetteville?
Median rent in Spokane is $1,141/month and in Fayetteville it's $1,179/month — a difference of $38/month.
Which city has higher income, Spokane or Fayetteville?
Median household income is $65,745 in Spokane and $56,395 in Fayetteville. Median household income is $9,350/year higher in Spokane.
How do taxes compare between Washington and North Carolina?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Spokane or Fayetteville?
It depends on your priorities. Spokane has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,141/mo, while Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,179/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Spokane details → View Fayetteville details →

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