Cost of Living: Kent, WA vs Arvada, CO (2026)

Kent

Washington
145
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Kent is 5% cheaper than Arvada.

$1,833/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↓ 2%
$90,416/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 25%
$537,500 ↓ 11%
Home Value
$600,800 ↑ 12%
$1,915/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↑ 2%
135,015
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kent, WA and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 145 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $22,980/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kent is $537,500 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Kent residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kent vs Arvada — common questions

Is Kent or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kent is cheaper to live in with an index of 145 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kent and Arvada?
Median rent in Kent is $1,833/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $31/month.
Which city has higher income, Kent or Arvada?
Median household income is $90,416 in Kent and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $22,980/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Colorado?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Kent or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Kent has a cost index of 145 with median rent of $1,833/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Kent details → View Arvada details →

More Comparisons

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