Median rent is 23% lower in Spokane Valley ($1,247/mo vs $1,614/mo). Buying is cheaper in Middletown, where the median home runs $271,000 versus $344,300. Households earn more in Middletown ($77,174 vs $70,722 a year). Taken together, Middletown 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 Middletown, NY.
City A
Middletown, NY
City B
Spokane Valley, WA
How much would you need to earn in Spokane Valley, WA to maintain your standard of living from Middletown, NY?
Equivalent salary in Spokane Valley, 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
Middletown
New York
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
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Spokane Valley — median rent of $1,247/mo versus $1,614/mo in Middletown, a 23% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Spokane Valley: the median home is $344,300 versus $271,000 in Middletown — 21% more expensive.
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Washington has no state income tax, while New York tops out at 10.90% — giving Spokane Valley a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 4.00% in New York and 6.50% in Washington; Middletown has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Middletown
Income tax: 10.90%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Spokane Valley
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.50%
Air quality data is not yet available for these cities.
Pick Middletown if you prioritize higher median household income ($77,174/yr).
Pick Spokane Valley if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,247/mo median).
Pick Spokane Valley if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Middletown cheaper than Spokane Valley?
Middletown 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 Middletown.
How much is rent in Middletown vs Spokane Valley?
Median rent is $1,614/mo in Middletown, NY and $1,247/mo in Spokane Valley, WA. Spokane Valley, WA has the lower rent by about 23%.
Which has higher salaries — Middletown or Spokane Valley?
Median household income is $77,174 in Middletown, NY and $70,722 in Spokane Valley, WA. Middletown, NY 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 — Middletown or Spokane Valley?
Washington has no state income tax. New York has a top rate of 10.90%.
What salary do I need in Spokane Valley to match my Middletown income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Middletown, NY is equivalent to roughly $100,010 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