Quick answer
Spokane costs $570/month less overall ($1,635 vs $2,205/mo). Both cities have None state income tax, so the rent gap is the real difference.
City Comparison · 2026
Austin vs Spokane
Side-by-side on rent, home prices, taxes, walkability, jobs, and climate — with a straight verdict for each type of mover.
Last updated: October 21, 2026
Austin vs Spokane at a Glance
| Metric | Austin | Spokane |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,650 | $1,350 ✓ |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $2,100 | $1,350 ✓ |
| Median Home Price | $548K | $360K ✓ |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $175 | $150 ✓ |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $380 ✓ | $385 |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $2,205 | $1,635 ✓ |
| Walk Score | 41/100 | 49/100 ✓ |
| Transit Score | 34/100 ✓ | 34/100 |
| State Income Tax | None ✓ | None (W-2) |
Monthly cost = 1BR rent + utilities + groceries for one person. ✓ marks the lower/better value.
Cost of Living: What the Numbers Actually Mean
Rent gap: Spokane's 1BR averages $1,100/month vs $1,650 in Austin — a $550/month difference, or $6,600/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Both cities carry the same state income tax rate (None), so this isn't a differentiator.
Home buying: Median homes in Spokane are $360K vs $548K in Austin. At a 20% down payment, that's a $37,600 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Austin utilities run $25 more per month than Spokane. Factor this into your all-in monthly budget.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Austin, TX
Austin is partially walkable in denser neighborhoods but car-dependent in most areas.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Spokane, WA
Spokane is partially walkable in denser neighborhoods but car-dependent in most areas.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Climate
Austin
300+ sunny days; summers run 100–110°F for 60+ days June–September; mild short winters; ERCOT grid has blackout history in extreme weather
Spokane
Real four seasons with cold, snowy winters (December-February); dry desert climate; average 250 sunny days annually; summer wildfire smoke June-September; fall and spring are spectacular
Job Market
Austin top industries
Spokane top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
Move to Austin if…
- →You're a tech workers
- →You're a young professionals
- →You're a outdoor enthusiasts
- →You're a musicians
- →You want zero state income tax
Move to Spokane if…
- →You're a Remote workers
- →You're a Outdoor enthusiasts
- →You're a People escaping high taxes
- →You're a Families on moderate budgets
- →You want zero state income tax
- →You're buying a home and want more for your money
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Spokane cheaper to live in?
Spokane is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $1,635 in Spokane vs $2,205 in Austin — a $570/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Austin or Spokane?
Spokane is more walkable with a Walk Score of 49/100 vs 41/100. Austin is more car-dependent.
Austin vs Spokane: which has lower state income tax?
Both Austin and Spokane have the same state income tax rate (None).
Is Austin or Spokane better for buying a home?
Spokane has lower median home prices at $360K vs $548K in Austin — a $188,000 difference on the median home.