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

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Arlington is 40% more expensive than Kent.

$2,275/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↓ 19%
$140,160/yr ↑ 55%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↓ 35%
$864,800 ↑ 61%
Home Value
$537,500 ↓ 38%
$2,414/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↓ 21%
235,463
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $442/month cheaper in Kent, saving renters about $5,304/year.

Median household income is $49,744/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 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

Arlington vs Kent — common questions

Is Arlington or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kent is cheaper to live in with an index of 145 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Kent?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $442/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Kent?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $49,744/year higher in Arlington.
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 Arlington or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/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 Arlington details → View Kent details →

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