Cost of Living: Spokane, WA vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Spokane

Washington
90
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Spokane is 10% cheaper than Wilmington.

$1,141/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↑ 15%
$65,745/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 3%
$326,200 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$350,300 ↑ 7%
$1,213/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↑ 13%
229,228
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Spokane, WA and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $170/month cheaper in Spokane, saving renters about $2,040/year.

Median household income is $1,845/year higher in Spokane. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Spokane is $326,200 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Spokane residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Spokane vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Spokane or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Spokane is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Spokane and Wilmington?
Median rent in Spokane is $1,141/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $170/month.
Which city has higher income, Spokane or Wilmington?
Median household income is $65,745 in Spokane and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $1,845/year higher in Spokane.
How do taxes compare between Washington and North Carolina?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Spokane or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Spokane has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,141/mo, while Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,311/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Spokane details → View Wilmington details →

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