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

Fullerton

California
195
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Fullerton is 34% more expensive than Kent.

$2,124/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↓ 14%
$104,219/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↓ 13%
$859,600 ↑ 60%
Home Value
$537,500 ↓ 37%
$2,251/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↓ 15%
141,278
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fullerton, CA and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $291/month cheaper in Kent, saving renters about $3,492/year.

Median household income is $13,803/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fullerton is $859,600 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

Fullerton vs Kent — common questions

Is Fullerton or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kent is cheaper to live in with an index of 145 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fullerton and Kent?
Median rent in Fullerton is $2,124/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $291/month.
Which city has higher income, Fullerton or Kent?
Median household income is $104,219 in Fullerton and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $13,803/year higher in Fullerton.
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 Fullerton or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $2,124/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 Fullerton details → View Kent details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fullerton and Kent

Fullerton vs. Waco Fullerton vs. Metairie Fullerton vs. Visalia Fullerton vs. Orange Fullerton vs. Thornton Fullerton vs. Warren Kent vs. Stamford Kent vs. Midland Kent vs. Elizabeth Kent vs. Coral Springs Kent vs. Victorville Kent vs. Sterling Heights