Cost of Living: Spokane, WA vs Gainesville, FL (2026)

Spokane

Washington
90
VS

Gainesville

Florida
81

Spokane is 11% more expensive than Gainesville.

$1,141/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,214/mo ↑ 6%
$65,745/yr ↑ 44%
Median Income
$45,611/yr ↓ 31%
$326,200 ↑ 39%
Home Value
$235,000 ↓ 28%
$1,213/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,167/mo ↓ 4%
229,228
Population
143,611

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
31.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Spokane, WA and Gainesville, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $73/month cheaper in Spokane, saving renters about $876/year.

Median household income is $20,134/year higher in Spokane. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Spokane is $326,200 compared to $235,000 in Gainesville.

Frequently Asked Questions

Spokane vs Gainesville — common questions

Is Spokane or Gainesville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Gainesville is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Spokane and Gainesville?
Median rent in Spokane is $1,141/month and in Gainesville it's $1,214/month — a difference of $73/month.
Which city has higher income, Spokane or Gainesville?
Median household income is $65,745 in Spokane and $45,611 in Gainesville. Median household income is $20,134/year higher in Spokane.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Florida?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Spokane or Gainesville?
It depends on your priorities. Spokane has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,141/mo, while Gainesville has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,214/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Spokane details → View Gainesville details →

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