Median rent is 3% lower in Gainesville ($1,214/mo vs $1,247/mo). Buying is cheaper in Gainesville, where the median home runs $235,000 versus $344,300. Households earn more in Spokane Valley ($70,722 vs $45,611 a year). Taken together, Spokane Valley is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 92.5 against 92.6 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Spokane Valley, WA.
City A
Gainesville, FL
City B
Spokane Valley, WA
How much would you need to earn in Spokane Valley, WA to maintain your standard of living from Gainesville, FL?
Equivalent salary in Spokane Valley, WA
$74,900
You could earn $100 less (0% 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
Gainesville
Florida
Spokane Valley
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
Median rents are similar in both cities: $1,214/mo in Gainesville and $1,247/mo in Spokane Valley. Home buyers face a steeper market in Spokane Valley: the median home is $344,300 versus $235,000 in Gainesville — 32% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Both Florida and Washington have no state income tax — a notable advantage for workers in both cities. Sales tax is 6.00% in Florida and 6.50% in Washington; Gainesville has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Gainesville
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.00%
Spokane Valley
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.50%
Air quality data is available for Gainesville (avg AQI 35.0) but not yet for Spokane Valley.
Pick Spokane Valley if you prioritize higher median household income ($70,722/yr).
Is Gainesville cheaper than Spokane Valley?
Spokane Valley is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 92.5 versus 92.6 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Spokane Valley.
How much is rent in Gainesville vs Spokane Valley?
Median rent is $1,214/mo in Gainesville, FL and $1,247/mo in Spokane Valley, WA. Gainesville, FL has the lower rent by about 3%.
Which has higher salaries — Gainesville or Spokane Valley?
Median household income is $45,611 in Gainesville, FL and $70,722 in Spokane Valley, WA. Spokane Valley, WA 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?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Gainesville or Spokane Valley?
Both Florida and Washington have no state income tax.
What salary do I need in Spokane Valley to match my Gainesville income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Gainesville, FL is equivalent to roughly $99,867 in Spokane Valley, 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