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

Spokane

Washington
90
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Spokane is 23% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,141/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 12%
$65,745/yr ↑ 35%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 26%
$326,200 ↑ 38%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 27%
$1,213/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 14%
229,228
Population
107,699

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
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Spokane, WA and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $136/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $1,632/year.

Median household income is $17,209/year higher in Spokane. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Spokane is $326,200 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Spokane vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Spokane or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Spokane and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Spokane is $1,141/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $136/month.
Which city has higher income, Spokane or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $65,745 in Spokane and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $17,209/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 Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Spokane has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,141/mo, while Tuscaloosa has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,005/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Spokane details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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