Cost of Living: Kent, WA vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Kent

Washington
145
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Kent is 84% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,833/mo ↑ 44%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 31%
$90,416/yr ↑ 69%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 41%
$537,500 ↑ 185%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 65%
$1,915/mo ↑ 54%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 35%
135,015
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
3.07%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kent, WA and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 145 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $564/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $6,768/year.

Median household income is $37,013/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kent is $537,500 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Kent residents a significant tax advantage over Pennsylvania's 3.07% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kent vs Allentown — common questions

Is Kent or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kent and Allentown?
Median rent in Kent is $1,833/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $564/month.
Which city has higher income, Kent or Allentown?
Median household income is $90,416 in Kent and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $37,013/year higher in Kent.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Pennsylvania?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Kent or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Kent has a cost index of 145 with median rent of $1,833/mo, while Allentown has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,269/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Kent details → View Allentown details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Kent and Allentown

Kent vs. Stamford Kent vs. Midland Kent vs. Elizabeth Kent vs. Coral Springs Kent vs. Victorville Kent vs. Sterling Heights Allentown vs. Thousand Oaks Allentown vs. Palm Bay Allentown vs. Simi Valley Allentown vs. Meridian Allentown vs. Pearland Allentown vs. Vallejo