Cost of Living: Spokane, WA vs Fort Collins, CO (2026)

Spokane

Washington
90
VS

Fort Collins

Colorado
137

Spokane is 34% cheaper than Fort Collins.

$1,141/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$1,661/mo ↑ 46%
$65,745/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$83,598/yr ↑ 27%
$326,200 ↓ 41%
Home Value
$548,400 ↑ 68%
$1,213/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,692/mo ↑ 39%
229,228
Population
169,705

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Spokane, WA and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $520/month cheaper in Spokane, saving renters about $6,240/year.

Median household income is $17,853/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Spokane is $326,200 compared to $548,400 in Fort Collins.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Spokane residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Spokane vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is Spokane or Fort Collins cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Spokane is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Spokane and Fort Collins?
Median rent in Spokane is $1,141/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $520/month.
Which city has higher income, Spokane or Fort Collins?
Median household income is $65,745 in Spokane and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $17,853/year higher in Fort Collins.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Colorado?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Spokane or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. Spokane has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,141/mo, while Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,661/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Spokane details → View Fort Collins details →

More Comparisons

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