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

Irvine

California
256
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Irvine is 77% more expensive than Kent.

$2,893/mo ↑ 58%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↓ 37%
$129,647/yr ↑ 43%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↓ 30%
$1,115,400 ↑ 108%
Home Value
$537,500 ↓ 52%
$2,904/mo ↑ 52%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↓ 34%
308,160
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,060/month cheaper in Kent, saving renters about $12,720/year.

Median household income is $39,231/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 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

Irvine vs Kent — common questions

Is Irvine or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kent is cheaper to live in with an index of 145 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and Kent?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $1,060/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Kent?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $39,231/year higher in Irvine.
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 Irvine or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/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 Irvine details → View Kent details →

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