Median rent is 36% lower in Spokane ($1,141/mo vs $1,779/mo). Buying is cheaper in Spokane, where the median home runs $326,200 versus $751,700. Households earn more in New York ($79,713 vs $65,745 a year). Taken together, Spokane is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 92.5 against 113.0 — about 18% lower overall prices.
Quick verdict
Spokane is 18% cheaper overall
Cost index: 92.5 in Spokane vs 113.0 in New York (US average = 100)
City A
New York, NY
City B
Spokane, WA
How much would you need to earn in Spokane, WA to maintain your standard of living from New York, NY?
Equivalent salary in Spokane, WA
$61,375
You could earn $13,625 less (18% 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
New York
New York
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 $1,779/mo in New York, a 36% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in New York: the median home is $751,700 versus $326,200 in Spokane — 57% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Washington has no state income tax, while New York tops out at 10.90% — giving Spokane a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 4.00% in New York and 6.50% in Washington; New York has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
New York
Income tax: 10.90%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Spokane
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.50%
Spokane has cleaner air on average: 19.0 AQI (Good) compared to 61.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Spokane if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 92.5 vs 113.0).
Pick New York if you prioritize higher median household income ($79,713/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 New York cheaper than Spokane?
Spokane is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 92.5 versus 113.0 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 18% lower in Spokane.
How much is rent in New York vs Spokane?
Median rent is $1,779/mo in New York, NY and $1,141/mo in Spokane, WA. Spokane, WA has the lower rent by about 36%.
Which has higher salaries — New York or Spokane?
Median household income is $79,713 in New York, NY and $65,745 in Spokane, WA. New York, 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?
Spokane, WA has better air quality on average: 19.0 AQI versus 61.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — New York or Spokane?
Washington has no state income tax. New York has a top rate of 10.90%.
What salary do I need in Spokane to match my New York income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in New York, NY is equivalent to roughly $81,833 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