Is Kent, WA cheaper than Anchorage, AK?

Based on cost of living data, Kent, WA is 9.6% cheaper than Anchorage, AK. This translates to saving $720 per month.

What salary do I need in Kent, WA to live like I do in Anchorage, AK?

If you earn $150,000 in Anchorage, AK, you'd need approximately $141,360 in Kent, WA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Anchorage, AK and Kent, WA?

Housing in Kent, WA is 11.0% more expensive than in Anchorage, AK. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,350/month in Kent, WA compared to $1,720/month in Anchorage, AK.

How much can I save per month by moving from Anchorage, AK to Kent, WA?

Moving from Anchorage, AK to Kent, WA could save you approximately $720 per month, or $8640 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Anchorage, AK vs Kent, WA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Anchorage, AK

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $720/month moving to Kent, WA

$150.0K in your current city equals $141.4K in Kent, WA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↓ 9.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$720

Savings

Annual Impact

$8.6K

Per year

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

Anchorage, AK

Population:292K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$365K

Kent, WA

Population:133K

Cost Index:

(10% below avg)

Median Home:$659K

Anchorage, AK

The Last Frontier

292K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Alaska, this city has a population of 292K residents.

💡 Advantage: Alaska has no state income tax!

Kent, WA

The Evergreen State

133K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Washington, this city has a population of 133K residents.

💡 Advantage: Washington has no state income tax!

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Anchorage, AK vs Kent, WA

Category	Anchorage, AK	Kent, WA	Difference	Change
Transportation	$1,448/mo	$1,899/mo	↑ $451more	31.1%
All Utilities	$825/mo	$481/mo	↓ $344less	41.7%
Housing	$3,066/mo	$3,404/mo	↑ $338more	11.0%
Groceries	$1,329/mo	$1,079/mo	↓ $250less	18.8%
Other	$1,858/mo	$1,641/mo	↓ $218less	11.7%
Healthcare	$892/mo	$824/mo	↓ $68.15less	7.6%

Transportation

↑ 31.1%

Anchorage, AK

$1,448

Kent, WA

$1,899

Difference

$451

All Utilities

↓ 41.7%

Anchorage, AK

$825

Kent, WA

$481

Difference

$344

less

Housing

↑ 11.0%

Anchorage, AK

$3,066

Kent, WA

$3,404

Difference

$338

Groceries

↓ 18.8%

Anchorage, AK

$1,329

Kent, WA

$1,079

Difference

$250

less

Other

↓ 11.7%

Anchorage, AK

$1,858

Kent, WA

$1,641

Difference

$218

less

Healthcare

↓ 7.6%

Anchorage, AK

$892

Kent, WA

$824

Difference

$68.15

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,230

To$1,950

↑ $720

1 Bed

From$1,325

To$2,020

↑ $695

2 Bed

From$1,720

To$2,350

↑ $630

3 Bed

From$2,340

To$3,070

↑ $730

Anchorage, AKZIP-level data

1BR range: $890–$1,570/mo

Kent, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,980–$2,210/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.

$9,419

Monthly in Anchorage, AK

$9,328

Monthly in Kent, WA

$91.22

Difference

Home Values

Anchorage

Kent

$365K

Median Value

$659K

↑ +3.9%

YoY Change

↓ -2.2%

↑ +20.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.8%

$316K - $658K

Price Range

$525K - $690K

Homes in Kent are 81% more expensive than Anchorage

Calculate payment - Anchorage Calculate payment - Kent

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

Anchorage, AK

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Alaska 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

Kent, 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

Additional Tax Information

Anchorage, AK Tax Rates

Sales Tax:1.8%

Property Tax:0.9%

Kent, WA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.2%

Property Tax:0.9%

💡 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.