Cost of Living: Kent, WA vs Abilene, TX (2026)

Kent

Washington
145
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Kent is 104% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,833/mo ↑ 66%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 40%
$90,416/yr ↑ 44%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 31%
$537,500 ↑ 200%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 67%
$1,915/mo ↑ 72%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 42%
135,015
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kent, WA and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 145 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $727/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $8,724/year.

Median household income is $27,696/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kent is $537,500 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kent vs Abilene — common questions

Is Kent or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kent and Abilene?
Median rent in Kent is $1,833/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $727/month.
Which city has higher income, Kent or Abilene?
Median household income is $90,416 in Kent and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $27,696/year higher in Kent.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Texas?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Kent or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Kent has a cost index of 145 with median rent of $1,833/mo, while Abilene has a cost index of 71 with rent of $1,106/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Kent details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Kent and Abilene

Kent vs. Stamford Kent vs. Midland Kent vs. Elizabeth Kent vs. Coral Springs Kent vs. Victorville Kent vs. Sterling Heights Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland