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

Spokane

Washington
90
VS

Rochester

New York
61

Spokane is 48% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,141/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,039/mo ↓ 9%
$65,745/yr ↑ 41%
Median Income
$46,628/yr ↓ 29%
$326,200 ↑ 170%
Home Value
$120,600 ↓ 63%
$1,213/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,009/mo ↓ 17%
229,228
Population
209,720

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
10.9%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Spokane, WA and Rochester, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $102/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $1,224/year.

Median household income is $19,117/year higher in Spokane. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Spokane is $326,200 compared to $120,600 in Rochester.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Spokane residents a significant tax advantage over New York's 10.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Spokane vs Rochester — common questions

Is Spokane or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 90 (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 $1,039/month — a difference of $102/month.
Which city has higher income, Spokane or Rochester?
Median household income is $65,745 in Spokane and $46,628 in Rochester. Median household income is $19,117/year higher in Spokane.
How do taxes compare between Washington and New York?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% 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 61 with rent of $1,039/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Spokane details → View Rochester details →

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