Median rent is 31% lower in Spokane ($1,141/mo vs $1,655/mo). Buying is cheaper in Spokane, where the median home runs $326,200 versus $512,700. Households earn more in Austin ($91,461 vs $65,745 a year). Taken together, Spokane is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 92.5 against 98.8 — about 6% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Austin, TX.
Quick verdict
Spokane is 6% cheaper overall
Cost index: 92.5 in Spokane vs 98.8 in Austin (US average = 100)
City A
Austin, TX
City B
Spokane, WA
How much would you need to earn in Spokane, WA to maintain your standard of living from Austin, TX?
Equivalent salary in Spokane, WA
$70,181
You could earn $4,819 less (6% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Austin
Texas
Spokane
Washington
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Spokane — median rent of $1,141/mo versus $1,655/mo in Austin, a 31% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Austin: the median home is $512,700 versus $326,200 in Spokane — 36% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Both Texas and Washington have no state income tax — a notable advantage for workers in both cities. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 6.50% in Washington; Austin has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Austin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Spokane
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.50%
Spokane has cleaner air on average: 19.0 AQI (Good) compared to 47.0 AQI (Good) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Spokane if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 92.5 vs 98.8).
Pick Austin if you prioritize higher median household income ($91,461/yr).
Pick Spokane if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,141/mo median).
Pick Spokane if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 19.0).
Is Austin cheaper than Spokane?
Spokane is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 92.5 versus 98.8 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 6% lower in Spokane.
How much is rent in Austin vs Spokane?
Median rent is $1,655/mo in Austin, TX and $1,141/mo in Spokane, WA. Spokane, WA has the lower rent by about 31%.
Which has higher salaries — Austin or Spokane?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin, TX and $65,745 in Spokane, WA. Austin, TX has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Spokane, WA has better air quality on average: 19.0 AQI versus 47.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Austin or Spokane?
Both Texas and Washington have no state income tax.
What salary do I need in Spokane to match my Austin income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Austin, TX is equivalent to roughly $93,575 in Spokane, WA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology