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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Fresno is 30% cheaper than Kent.

$1,324/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↑ 38%
$66,804/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↑ 35%
$348,500 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$537,500 ↑ 54%
$1,391/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↑ 38%
543,615
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $509/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $6,108/year.

Median household income is $23,612/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 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

Fresno vs Kent — common questions

Is Fresno or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Kent?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $509/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Kent?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $23,612/year higher in Kent.
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 Fresno or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Kent details →

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