Median rent is 7% lower in Spokane ($1,141/mo vs $1,221/mo). Buying is cheaper in Hartford, where the median home runs $217,200 versus $326,200. Households earn more in Spokane ($65,745 vs $45,300 a year). Taken together, Hartford is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 92.5 against 92.5 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Spokane, WA.
City A
Hartford, CT
City B
Spokane, WA
How much would you need to earn in Spokane, WA to maintain your standard of living from Hartford, CT?
Equivalent salary in Spokane, WA
$75,007
You'd need $7 more (0% higher).
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
Hartford
Connecticut
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
Median rent is modestly lower in Spokane at $1,141/mo compared to $1,221/mo in Hartford (7% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Spokane: the median home is $326,200 versus $217,200 in Hartford — 33% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Washington has no state income tax, while Connecticut tops out at 6.99% — giving Spokane a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.35% in Connecticut and 6.50% in Washington; Hartford has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Hartford
Income tax: 6.99%
Sales tax: 6.35%
Spokane
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.50%
Air quality data is available for Spokane (avg AQI 19.0) but not yet for Hartford.
Pick Spokane if you prioritize higher median household income ($65,745/yr).
Pick Spokane if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Hartford cheaper than Spokane?
Hartford is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 92.5 versus 92.5 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Hartford.
How much is rent in Hartford vs Spokane?
Median rent is $1,221/mo in Hartford, CT and $1,141/mo in Spokane, WA. Spokane, WA has the lower rent by about 7%.
Which has higher salaries — Hartford or Spokane?
Median household income is $45,300 in Hartford, CT and $65,745 in Spokane, WA. Spokane, 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 — Hartford or Spokane?
Washington has no state income tax. Connecticut has a top rate of 6.99%.
What salary do I need in Spokane to match my Hartford income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Hartford, CT is equivalent to roughly $100,010 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