Cost of Living: Spokane, WA vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Spokane

Washington
90
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Spokane is 17% more expensive than Lafayette.

$1,141/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 7%
$65,745/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 7%
$326,200 ↑ 30%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 23%
$1,213/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 13%
229,228
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Spokane, WA and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $76/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $912/year.

Median household income is $4,291/year higher in Spokane. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Spokane is $326,200 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Spokane residents a significant tax advantage over Louisiana's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Spokane vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Spokane or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Spokane and Lafayette?
Median rent in Spokane is $1,141/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $76/month.
Which city has higher income, Spokane or Lafayette?
Median household income is $65,745 in Spokane and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $4,291/year higher in Spokane.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Louisiana?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Spokane or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Spokane has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,141/mo, while Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with rent of $1,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Spokane details → View Lafayette details →

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