Cost of Living: Kent, WA vs Athens, GA (2026)

Kent

Washington
145
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Kent is 75% more expensive than Athens.

$1,833/mo ↑ 58%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↓ 37%
$90,416/yr ↑ 75%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 43%
$537,500 ↑ 98%
Home Value
$271,800 ↓ 49%
$1,915/mo ↑ 65%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↓ 39%
135,015
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.49%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kent, WA and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 145 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $671/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $8,052/year.

Median household income is $38,761/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kent is $537,500 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Kent residents a significant tax advantage over Georgia's 5.49% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kent vs Athens — common questions

Is Kent or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kent and Athens?
Median rent in Kent is $1,833/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $671/month.
Which city has higher income, Kent or Athens?
Median household income is $90,416 in Kent and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $38,761/year higher in Kent.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Georgia?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Kent or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Kent has a cost index of 145 with median rent of $1,833/mo, while Athens has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,162/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Kent details → View Athens details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Kent and Athens

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