Cost of Living: Alexandria, VA vs Kent, WA (2026)

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Alexandria is 28% more expensive than Kent.

$2,031/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↓ 10%
$113,638/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↓ 20%
$696,800 ↑ 30%
Home Value
$537,500 ↓ 23%
$2,173/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↓ 12%
156,788
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
Sales Tax
6.5%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $198/month cheaper in Kent, saving renters about $2,376/year.

Median household income is $23,222/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $537,500 in Kent.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Kent residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Kent — common questions

Is Alexandria or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kent is cheaper to live in with an index of 145 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Kent?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $198/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Kent?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $23,222/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Washington?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Alexandria or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/mo, while Kent has a cost index of 145 with rent of $1,833/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Alexandria details → View Kent details →