Cost of Living: Jersey City, NJ vs Kent, WA (2026)

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Jersey City is 2% more expensive than Kent.

$1,902/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↓ 4%
$94,813/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↓ 5%
$534,500 ≈ Same
Home Value
$537,500 ≈ Same
$2,006/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↓ 5%
289,691
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
0%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

24.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $69/month cheaper in Kent, saving renters about $828/year.

Median household income is $4,397/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $537,500 in Kent.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Kent residents a significant tax advantage over New Jersey's 10.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs Kent — common questions

Is Jersey City 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 Jersey City and Kent?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $69/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or Kent?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $4,397/year higher in Jersey City.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Washington?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Jersey City or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/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 Jersey City details → View Kent details →

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