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

Spokane

Washington
90
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Spokane is 24% cheaper than Lowell.

$1,141/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 40%
$65,745/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↑ 16%
$326,200 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 21%
$1,213/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 38%
229,228
Population
114,799

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
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Spokane, WA and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $462/month cheaper in Spokane, saving renters about $5,544/year.

Median household income is $10,460/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Spokane is $326,200 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Spokane vs Lowell — common questions

Is Spokane or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Spokane is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Spokane and Lowell?
Median rent in Spokane is $1,141/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $462/month.
Which city has higher income, Spokane or Lowell?
Median household income is $65,745 in Spokane and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $10,460/year higher in Lowell.
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 Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Spokane has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,141/mo, while Lowell has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,603/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Spokane details → View Lowell details →

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