Cost of Living: Spokane, WA vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Spokane

Washington
90
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Spokane is 3% cheaper than Rochester.

$1,141/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↑ 15%
$65,745/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 33%
$326,200 ↑ 13%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 12%
$1,213/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↑ 10%
229,228
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.85%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Spokane, WA and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $175/month cheaper in Spokane, saving renters about $2,100/year.

Median household income is $22,022/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Spokane is $326,200 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Spokane residents a significant tax advantage over Minnesota's 9.85% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Spokane vs Rochester — common questions

Is Spokane or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Spokane is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 93 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Spokane and Rochester?
Median rent in Spokane is $1,141/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $175/month.
Which city has higher income, Spokane or Rochester?
Median household income is $65,745 in Spokane and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $22,022/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Minnesota?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Spokane or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Spokane has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,141/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 93 with rent of $1,316/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Spokane details → View Rochester details →

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