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

Fremont

California
278
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Fremont is 92% more expensive than Kent.

$2,905/mo ↑ 58%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↓ 37%
$176,350/yr ↑ 95%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↓ 49%
$1,289,400 ↑ 140%
Home Value
$537,500 ↓ 58%
$3,000/mo ↑ 57%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↓ 36%
228,518
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fremont, CA and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 278 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,072/month cheaper in Kent, saving renters about $12,864/year.

Median household income is $85,934/year higher in Fremont. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fremont is $1,289,400 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

Fremont vs Kent — common questions

Is Fremont or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kent is cheaper to live in with an index of 145 compared to 278 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fremont and Kent?
Median rent in Fremont is $2,905/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $1,072/month.
Which city has higher income, Fremont or Kent?
Median household income is $176,350 in Fremont and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $85,934/year higher in Fremont.
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 Fremont or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Fremont has a cost index of 278 with median rent of $2,905/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 Fremont details → View Kent details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fremont and Kent

Fremont vs. Santa Clarita Fremont vs. Richmond Fremont vs. Spokane Fremont vs. Baton Rouge Fremont vs. Enterprise Fremont vs. Hialeah Kent vs. Stamford Kent vs. Midland Kent vs. Elizabeth Kent vs. Coral Springs Kent vs. Victorville Kent vs. Sterling Heights