Cost of Living: Spokane, WA vs Salt Lake City, UT (2026)

Spokane

Washington
90
VS

Salt Lake City

Utah
117

Spokane is 23% cheaper than Salt Lake City.

$1,141/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,343/mo ↑ 18%
$65,745/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$74,925/yr ↑ 14%
$326,200 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$495,700 ↑ 52%
$1,213/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,394/mo ↑ 15%
229,228
Population
203,888

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.65%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Spokane, WA and Salt Lake City, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $202/month cheaper in Spokane, saving renters about $2,424/year.

Median household income is $9,180/year higher in Salt Lake City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Spokane is $326,200 compared to $495,700 in Salt Lake City.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Spokane residents a significant tax advantage over Utah's 4.65% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Spokane vs Salt Lake City — common questions

Is Spokane or Salt Lake City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Spokane is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Spokane and Salt Lake City?
Median rent in Spokane is $1,141/month and in Salt Lake City it's $1,343/month — a difference of $202/month.
Which city has higher income, Spokane or Salt Lake City?
Median household income is $65,745 in Spokane and $74,925 in Salt Lake City. Median household income is $9,180/year higher in Salt Lake City.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Utah?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Spokane or Salt Lake City?
It depends on your priorities. Spokane has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,141/mo, while Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with rent of $1,343/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Spokane details → View Salt Lake City details →

More Comparisons

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