Cost of Living: Elk Grove, CA vs Kent, WA (2026)

Elk Grove

California
168
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Elk Grove is 16% more expensive than Kent.

$2,180/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↓ 16%
$122,229/yr ↑ 35%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↓ 26%
$603,400 ↑ 12%
Home Value
$537,500 ↓ 11%
$2,227/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↓ 14%
177,221
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elk Grove, CA and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 168 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $347/month cheaper in Kent, saving renters about $4,164/year.

Median household income is $31,813/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elk Grove is $603,400 compared to $537,500 in Kent.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Kent residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Elk Grove vs Kent — common questions

Is Elk Grove or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kent is cheaper to live in with an index of 145 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elk Grove and Kent?
Median rent in Elk Grove is $2,180/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $347/month.
Which city has higher income, Elk Grove or Kent?
Median household income is $122,229 in Elk Grove and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $31,813/year higher in Elk Grove.
How do taxes compare between California and Washington?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Elk Grove or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with median rent of $2,180/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 Elk Grove details → View Kent details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elk Grove and Kent

Elk Grove vs. Eugene Elk Grove vs. Santa Rosa Elk Grove vs. Ontario Elk Grove vs. Cary Elk Grove vs. Aurora Elk Grove vs. Salem Kent vs. Stamford Kent vs. Midland Kent vs. Elizabeth Kent vs. Coral Springs Kent vs. Victorville Kent vs. Sterling Heights