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

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Durham is 28% cheaper than Kent.

$1,412/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↑ 30%
$79,234/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↑ 14%
$355,300 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$537,500 ↑ 51%
$1,434/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↑ 34%
288,465
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $421/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $5,052/year.

Median household income is $11,182/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 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

Durham vs Kent — common questions

Is Durham or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Kent?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $421/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Kent?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $11,182/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 Durham or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/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 Durham details → View Kent details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Durham and Kent

Durham vs. Anchorage Durham vs. Plano Durham vs. Jersey City Durham vs. Chandler Durham vs. Lincoln Durham vs. Buffalo Kent vs. Stamford Kent vs. Midland Kent vs. Elizabeth Kent vs. Coral Springs Kent vs. Victorville Kent vs. Sterling Heights