Is Austin, TX cheaper than Spokane, WA?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 8.4% more expensive than Spokane, WA. This translates to spending an extra $632 per month.

What salary do I need in Austin, TX to live like I do in Spokane, WA?

If you earn $150,000 in Spokane, WA, you'd need approximately $157,578.947 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Spokane, WA and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 24.7% more expensive than in Spokane, WA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,530/month in Spokane, WA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Spokane, WA to Austin, TX?

Living in Austin, TX costs approximately $632 more per month than Spokane, WA, or $7579 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Spokane, WA vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Spokane, WA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $632/month more in Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $157.6K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA area

Overall Cost

↑ 8.4%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$632

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$7.6K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Spokane, WA

Population:230K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$385K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:108

Median Home:$558K

Spokane, WA

The Evergreen State

230K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Washington, this city has a population of 230K residents.

💡 Advantage: Washington has no state income tax!

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Live music capital
•Major tech hub
•SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Spokane, WA vs Austin, TX

Category	Spokane, WA	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$1,899/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $615less	32.4%
🏠Housing	$2,313/mo	$2,885/mo	↑ $572more	24.7%
🏥Healthcare	$824/mo	$589/mo	↓ $235less	28.6%
📦Other	$1,540/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $201more	13.0%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$959/mo	↓ $120less	11.1%
⚡All Utilities	$481/mo	$541/mo	↑ $60.11more	12.5%

🚗Transportation

↓ 32.4%

Spokane, WA

$1,899

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$615

less

🏠Housing

↑ 24.7%

Spokane, WA

$2,313

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$572

🏥Healthcare

↓ 28.6%

Spokane, WA

$824

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$235

less

📦Other

↑ 13.0%

Spokane, WA

$1,540

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$201

🛒Groceries

↓ 11.1%

Spokane, WA

$1,079

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$120

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 12.5%

Spokane, WA

$481

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$60.11

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,105

To$1,585

↑ $480

1 Bed

From$1,195

To$1,685

↑ $490

2 Bed

From$1,530

To$1,995

↑ $465

3 Bed

From$2,085

To$2,525

↑ $440

Spokane, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,020–$1,260/mo

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$8,136

Monthly in Spokane, WA

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$137

Difference

Home Values

Spokane

Austin

$385K

Median Value

$558K

↓ -0.2%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +29.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$271K - $506K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 45% more expensive than Spokane

Calculate payment - Spokane Calculate payment - Austin

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

Spokane, WA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Washington State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Spokane, WA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.2%

Property Tax:0.9%

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.