Median rent is 39% lower in Spokane ($1,215/mo vs $2,007/mo). Buying is cheaper in Spokane, where the median home runs $363,500 versus $566,900. Households earn more in Jersey City ($97,710 vs $70,064 a year). Taken together, Spokane is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 92.4 against 112.6 — about 18% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Jersey City, NJ.
Cost of living verdict
Spokane is 18% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 92.4 in Spokane vs 112.6 in Jersey City (US national average = 100)
City A
Jersey City, NJ
City B
Spokane, WA
How much would you need to earn in Spokane, WA to maintain your standard of living from Jersey City, NJ?
Equivalent salary in Spokane, WA
$61,507
You could earn $13,493 less (18% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each metro area. This estimates overall purchasing power; it does not account for taxes or take-home pay differences.
Metric
Jersey City
New Jersey
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: Census ACS, BEA, HUD Fair Market Rents, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Spokane — median rent of $1,215/mo versus $2,007/mo in Jersey City, a 39% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Jersey City: the median home is $566,900 versus $363,500 in Spokane — 36% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Jersey City
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Spokane
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Jersey City has cleaner air on average: 46.0 AQI (Good) compared to 52.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Spokane if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 92.4 vs 112.6).
Pick Jersey City if you prioritize higher median household income ($97,710/yr).
Pick Spokane if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,215/mo median).
Pick Jersey City if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 46.0).
Is Jersey City cheaper than Spokane?
Spokane is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 92.4 versus 112.6 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 18% lower in Spokane.
How much is rent in Jersey City vs Spokane?
Median rent is $2,007/mo in Jersey City, NJ and $1,215/mo in Spokane, WA. Spokane, WA has the lower rent by about 39%.
Which has higher salaries — Jersey City or Spokane?
Median household income is $97,710 in Jersey City, NJ and $70,064 in Spokane, WA. Jersey City, NJ 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?
Jersey City, NJ has better air quality on average: 46.0 AQI versus 52.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Jersey City or Spokane?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Spokane to match my Jersey City income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Jersey City, NJ is equivalent to roughly $82,009 in Spokane, WA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
