Washington · Population 135,015 · Updated March 2026
How far your income goes in Kent
State-level tax rates that affect your costs
Kent has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 145 (where 100 equals the national median), Kent residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,833/month while earning a median household income of $90,416/year.
The median home value in Kent, WA is $537,500, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,915 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 24.3% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.
Washington has no state income tax, which can represent significant savings compared to high-tax states. Combined with a 6.5% sales tax rate and 0.92% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment helps keep costs manageable in Kent.
Common questions about living costs in Kent