Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Kent, WA?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 8.7% cheaper than Kent, WA. This translates to saving $650 per month.

What salary do I need in Phoenix, AZ to live like I do in Kent, WA?

If you earn $150,000 in Kent, WA, you'd need approximately $142,194.69 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Kent, WA and Phoenix, AZ?

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 18.1% cheaper than in Kent, WA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $2,350/month in Kent, WA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Kent, WA to Phoenix, AZ?

Moving from Kent, WA to Phoenix, AZ could save you approximately $650 per month, or $7805 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Kent, WA vs Phoenix, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Kent, WA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Tacoma, WA area

Current salary in Kent, WA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $650/month moving to Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $142.2K in Phoenix, AZ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area

Overall Cost

↓ 8.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$650

Savings

Annual Impact

$7.8K

Per year

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

Kent, WA

Population:133K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$659K

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:91

Median Home:$414K

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!

Phoenix, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Hot desert

Notable Facts

•Fastest growing major city
•Desert metropolis
•Spring training capital

Major Industries

TechnologyHealthcareTourismManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Kent, WA vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Kent, WA	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,404/mo	$2,788/mo	↓ $616less	18.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,899/mo	$1,489/mo	↓ $410less	21.6%
🏥Healthcare	$824/mo	$589/mo	↓ $235less	28.6%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$963/mo	↓ $116less	10.7%
⚡All Utilities	$481/mo	$561/mo	↑ $80.32more	16.7%
📦Other	$1,641/mo	$1,677/mo	↑ $36.83more	2.2%

🏠Housing

↓ 18.1%

Kent, WA

$3,404

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$616

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 21.6%

Kent, WA

$1,899

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$410

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 28.6%

Kent, WA

$824

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$235

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 10.7%

Kent, WA

$1,079

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$116

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 16.7%

Kent, WA

$481

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$80.32

📦Other

↑ 2.2%

Kent, WA

$1,641

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$36.83

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,950

To$1,390

↓ $560

1 Bed

From$2,020

To$1,510

↓ $510

2 Bed

From$2,350

To$1,750

↓ $600

3 Bed

From$3,070

To$2,330

↓ $740

Kent, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,980–$2,210/mo

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,380/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.

$9,328

Monthly in Kent, WA

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$1,260

Difference

Home Values

Kent

Phoenix

$659K

Median Value

$414K

↓ -2.2%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +28.8%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$525K - $690K

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 37% less expensive than Kent

Calculate payment - Kent Calculate payment - Phoenix

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $5.2K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$436

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.5%

Rate difference

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

Phoenix, AZ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arizona State Tax

Effective: 3.5%

$5.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.2%

$42.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,979/month

$107.8K

Additional Tax Information

Kent, WA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.2%

Property Tax:0.9%

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 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.