Is Kent, WA cheaper than Seattle, WA?

Based on cost of living data, Kent, WA is 34.3% cheaper than Seattle, WA. This translates to saving $2573 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Seattle, WA, you'd need approximately $119,127.907 in Kent, WA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Seattle, WA and Kent, WA?

Housing in Kent, WA is 54.8% cheaper than in Seattle, WA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,350/month in Kent, WA compared to $2,630/month in Seattle, WA.

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

Moving from Seattle, WA to Kent, WA could save you approximately $2573 per month, or $30872 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Seattle, WA 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 Seattle, WA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.6K/month moving to Kent, WA

$150.0K in your current city equals $119.1K in Kent, WA

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

Overall Cost

↓ 34.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,573

Savings

Annual Impact

$30.9K

Per year

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

Seattle, WA

Population:749K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$808K

Kent, WA

Population:133K

Cost Index:

(34% below avg)

Median Home:$659K

Seattle, WA

The Evergreen State

749K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Oceanic

Notable Facts

•Coffee culture birthplace
•Major tech center
•Pacific Northwest gateway

Major Industries

TechnologyAerospaceMaritime TradeCoffee Industry

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: Seattle, WA vs Kent, WA

Category	Seattle, WA	Kent, WA	Difference	Change
Housing	$7,536/mo	$3,404/mo	↓ $4,132less	54.8%
Other	$1,975/mo	$1,641/mo	↓ $335less	16.9%
Groceries	$1,079/mo	$1,079/mo	→ $0	0.0%
Transportation	$1,899/mo	$1,899/mo	→ $0	0.0%
All Utilities	$481/mo	$481/mo	→ $0	0.0%
Healthcare	$824/mo	$824/mo	→ $0	0.0%

Housing

↓ 54.8%

Seattle, WA

$7,536

Kent, WA

$3,404

Difference

$4,132

less

Other

↓ 16.9%

Seattle, WA

$1,975

Kent, WA

$1,641

Difference

$335

less

Groceries

→ 0.0%

Seattle, WA

$1,079

Kent, WA

$1,079

Difference

same

Transportation

→ 0.0%

Seattle, WA

$1,899

Kent, WA

$1,899

Difference

same

All Utilities

→ 0.0%

Seattle, WA

$481

Kent, WA

$481

Difference

same

Healthcare

→ 0.0%

Seattle, WA

$824

Kent, WA

$824

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,180

To$1,950

↓ $230

1 Bed

From$2,260

To$2,020

↓ $240

2 Bed

From$2,630

To$2,350

↓ $280

3 Bed

From$3,440

To$3,070

↓ $370

Seattle, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,900–$3,210/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.

$13,794

Monthly in Seattle, WA

$9,328

Monthly in Kent, WA

$4,467

Difference

Home Values

Seattle

Kent

$808K

Median Value

$659K

↓ -2.5%

YoY Change

↓ -2.2%

↑ +12.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.8%

$433K - $1.34M

Price Range

$525K - $690K

Homes in Kent are 18% less expensive than Seattle

Calculate payment - Seattle 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

Seattle, 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

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

Seattle, WA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.2%

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.