Cost of Living: Charlotte, NC vs Kent, WA (2026)

Charlotte

North Carolina
108
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Charlotte is 26% cheaper than Kent.

$1,504/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↑ 22%
$78,438/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↑ 15%
$351,500 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$537,500 ↑ 53%
$1,487/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↑ 29%
886,283
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charlotte, NC and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 108 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $329/month cheaper in Charlotte, saving renters about $3,948/year.

Median household income is $11,978/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charlotte is $351,500 compared to $537,500 in Kent.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Kent residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Charlotte vs Kent — common questions

Is Charlotte or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charlotte is cheaper to live in with an index of 108 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charlotte and Kent?
Median rent in Charlotte is $1,504/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $329/month.
Which city has higher income, Charlotte or Kent?
Median household income is $78,438 in Charlotte and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $11,978/year higher in Kent.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Washington?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% 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 Charlotte or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Charlotte has a cost index of 108 with median rent of $1,504/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 Charlotte details → View Kent details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Charlotte and Kent

Charlotte vs. Columbus Charlotte vs. Indianapolis Charlotte vs. Fort Worth Charlotte vs. San Francisco Charlotte vs. Jacksonville Charlotte vs. Seattle Kent vs. Stamford Kent vs. Midland Kent vs. Elizabeth Kent vs. Coral Springs Kent vs. Victorville Kent vs. Sterling Heights