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
Compare the cost of living in Kent, WA with 299 other major U.S. cities