Cost of Living: Bellevue, WA vs Kent, WA (2026)

Bellevue

Washington
250
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Bellevue is 72% more expensive than Kent.

$2,505/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↓ 27%
$161,300/yr ↑ 78%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↓ 44%
$1,203,100 ↑ 124%
Home Value
$537,500 ↓ 55%
$2,586/mo ↑ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↓ 26%
151,199
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

18.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bellevue, WA and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 250 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $672/month cheaper in Kent, saving renters about $8,064/year.

Median household income is $70,884/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bellevue is $1,203,100 compared to $537,500 in Kent.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Washington.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bellevue vs Kent — common questions

Is Bellevue or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kent is cheaper to live in with an index of 145 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bellevue and Kent?
Median rent in Bellevue is $2,505/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $672/month.
Which city has higher income, Bellevue or Kent?
Median household income is $161,300 in Bellevue and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $70,884/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Washington?
Both cities are in Washington and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Bellevue or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with median rent of $2,505/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 Bellevue details → View Kent details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Bellevue and Kent

Bellevue vs. Charleston Bellevue vs. Escondido Bellevue vs. Roseville Bellevue vs. Jackson Bellevue vs. Hollywood Bellevue vs. Joliet Kent vs. Stamford Kent vs. Midland Kent vs. Elizabeth Kent vs. Coral Springs Kent vs. Victorville Kent vs. Sterling Heights