Median rent is 29% lower in Spokane ($1,215/mo vs $1,701/mo). Buying is cheaper in Spokane, where the median home runs $363,500 versus $420,400. Households earn more in Tampa ($75,475 vs $70,064 a year). Taken together, Spokane is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 92.4 against 102.5 — about 10% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Spokane, WA.
Cost of living verdict
Spokane is 10% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 92.4 in Spokane vs 102.5 in Tampa (US national average = 100)
City A
Spokane, WA
City B
Tampa, FL
How much would you need to earn in Tampa, FL to maintain your standard of living from Spokane, WA?
Equivalent salary in Tampa, FL
$83,195
You'd need $8,195 more (11% higher).
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
Spokane
Washington
Tampa
Florida
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 $1,701/mo in Tampa, a 29% difference. Median home values are within 14% of each other: $363,500 in Spokane and $420,400 in Tampa.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Spokane
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Tampa
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Spokane has cleaner air on average: 52.0 AQI (Moderate) compared to 64.0 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 102.5).
Pick Tampa if you prioritize higher median household income ($75,475/yr).
Pick Spokane if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,215/mo median).
Pick Spokane if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 52.0).
Is Spokane cheaper than Tampa?
Spokane is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 92.4 versus 102.5 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 10% lower in Spokane.
How much is rent in Spokane vs Tampa?
Median rent is $1,215/mo in Spokane, WA and $1,701/mo in Tampa, FL. Spokane, WA has the lower rent by about 29%.
Which has higher salaries — Spokane or Tampa?
Median household income is $70,064 in Spokane, WA and $75,475 in Tampa, FL. Tampa, FL 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: 52.0 AQI versus 64.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Spokane or Tampa?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Tampa to match my Spokane income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Spokane, WA is equivalent to roughly $110,927 in Tampa, FL (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
