Cost of Living: Spokane, WA vs Paterson, NJ (2026)

Spokane

Washington
90
VS

Paterson

New Jersey
106

Spokane is 15% cheaper than Paterson.

$1,141/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,457/mo ↑ 28%
$65,745/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$53,766/yr ↓ 18%
$326,200 ↓ 3%
Home Value
$335,400 ↑ 3%
$1,213/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↑ 28%
229,228
Population
157,660

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
10.75%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.92%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Spokane, WA and Paterson, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $316/month cheaper in Spokane, saving renters about $3,792/year.

Median household income is $11,979/year higher in Spokane. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Spokane is $326,200 compared to $335,400 in Paterson.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Spokane residents a significant tax advantage over New Jersey's 10.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Spokane vs Paterson — common questions

Is Spokane or Paterson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Spokane is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Spokane and Paterson?
Median rent in Spokane is $1,141/month and in Paterson it's $1,457/month — a difference of $316/month.
Which city has higher income, Spokane or Paterson?
Median household income is $65,745 in Spokane and $53,766 in Paterson. Median household income is $11,979/year higher in Spokane.
How do taxes compare between Washington and New Jersey?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Spokane or Paterson?
It depends on your priorities. Spokane has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,141/mo, while Paterson has a cost index of 106 with rent of $1,457/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Spokane details → View Paterson details →

More Comparisons

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