Cost of Living: Spokane, WA vs Montgomery, AL (2026)

Spokane

Washington
90
VS

Montgomery

Alabama
64

Spokane is 41% more expensive than Montgomery.

$1,141/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,059/mo ↓ 7%
$65,745/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$55,687/yr ↓ 15%
$326,200 ↑ 120%
Home Value
$148,500 ↓ 54%
$1,213/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,023/mo ↓ 16%
229,228
Population
198,440

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Spokane, WA and Montgomery, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 64 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $82/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $984/year.

Median household income is $10,058/year higher in Spokane. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Spokane is $326,200 compared to $148,500 in Montgomery.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Spokane residents a significant tax advantage over Alabama's 5.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Spokane vs Montgomery — common questions

Is Spokane or Montgomery cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Spokane and Montgomery?
Median rent in Spokane is $1,141/month and in Montgomery it's $1,059/month — a difference of $82/month.
Which city has higher income, Spokane or Montgomery?
Median household income is $65,745 in Spokane and $55,687 in Montgomery. Median household income is $10,058/year higher in Spokane.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Alabama?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Spokane or Montgomery?
It depends on your priorities. Spokane has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,141/mo, while Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with rent of $1,059/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Spokane details → View Montgomery details →

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