Cost of Living: Kent, WA vs Ann Arbor, MI (2026)

Kent

Washington
145
VS

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121

Kent is 20% more expensive than Ann Arbor.

$1,833/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,552/mo ↓ 15%
$90,416/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$81,089/yr ↓ 10%
$537,500 ↑ 24%
Home Value
$435,100 ↓ 19%
$1,915/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,638/mo ↓ 14%
135,015
Population
121,179

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kent, WA and Ann Arbor, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 145 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $281/month cheaper in Ann Arbor, saving renters about $3,372/year.

Median household income is $9,327/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kent is $537,500 compared to $435,100 in Ann Arbor.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Kent residents a significant tax advantage over Michigan's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kent vs Ann Arbor — common questions

Is Kent or Ann Arbor cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Ann Arbor is cheaper to live in with an index of 121 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kent and Ann Arbor?
Median rent in Kent is $1,833/month and in Ann Arbor it's $1,552/month — a difference of $281/month.
Which city has higher income, Kent or Ann Arbor?
Median household income is $90,416 in Kent and $81,089 in Ann Arbor. Median household income is $9,327/year higher in Kent.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Michigan?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Kent or Ann Arbor?
It depends on your priorities. Kent has a cost index of 145 with median rent of $1,833/mo, while Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,552/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Kent details → View Ann Arbor details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Kent and Ann Arbor

Kent vs. Stamford Kent vs. Midland Kent vs. Elizabeth Kent vs. Coral Springs Kent vs. Victorville Kent vs. Sterling Heights Ann Arbor vs. Lafayette Ann Arbor vs. Berkeley Ann Arbor vs. Rochester Ann Arbor vs. Fairfield Ann Arbor vs. Independence Ann Arbor vs. Hartford