Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Kent, WA (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Boston is 21% more expensive than Kent.

$2,093/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↓ 12%
$94,755/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↓ 5%
$710,400 ↑ 32%
Home Value
$537,500 ↓ 24%
$2,176/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↓ 12%
663,972
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $260/month cheaper in Kent, saving renters about $3,120/year.

Median household income is $4,339/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $537,500 in Kent.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Kent residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Kent — common questions

Is Boston or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kent is cheaper to live in with an index of 145 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Kent?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $260/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Kent?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $4,339/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Washington?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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 Boston details → View Kent details →

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