Cost of Living: Detroit, MI vs Kent, WA (2026)

Detroit

Michigan
53
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Detroit is 63% cheaper than Kent.

$1,034/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↑ 77%
$39,575/yr ↓ 56%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↑ 128%
$76,800 ↓ 86%
Home Value
$537,500 ↑ 600%
$868/mo ↓ 55%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↑ 121%
636,644
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.38%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

31.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Detroit, MI and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 53 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $799/month cheaper in Detroit, saving renters about $9,588/year.

Median household income is $50,841/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Detroit is $76,800 compared to $537,500 in Kent.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Kent residents a significant tax advantage over Michigan's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Detroit vs Kent — common questions

Is Detroit or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Detroit is cheaper to live in with an index of 53 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Detroit and Kent?
Median rent in Detroit is $1,034/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $799/month.
Which city has higher income, Detroit or Kent?
Median household income is $39,575 in Detroit and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $50,841/year higher in Kent.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Washington?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Detroit or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Detroit has a cost index of 53 with median rent of $1,034/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 Detroit details → View Kent details →

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