Cost of Living: Gilbert, AZ vs Kent, WA (2026)

Gilbert

Arizona
148
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Gilbert is 2% more expensive than Kent.

$2,028/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↓ 10%
$121,351/yr ↑ 34%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↓ 25%
$518,600 ↓ 4%
Home Value
$537,500 ↑ 4%
$1,908/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ≈ Same
271,118
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Gilbert, AZ and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $195/month cheaper in Kent, saving renters about $2,340/year.

Median household income is $30,935/year higher in Gilbert. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Gilbert is $518,600 compared to $537,500 in Kent.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Kent residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gilbert vs Kent — common questions

Is Gilbert or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kent is cheaper to live in with an index of 145 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Gilbert and Kent?
Median rent in Gilbert is $2,028/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $195/month.
Which city has higher income, Gilbert or Kent?
Median household income is $121,351 in Gilbert and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $30,935/year higher in Gilbert.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Washington?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Gilbert or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Gilbert has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $2,028/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 Gilbert details → View Kent details →

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