Cost of Living: Kent, WA vs Berkeley, CA (2026)

Kent

Washington
145
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Kent is 42% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,833/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 16%
$90,416/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 20%
$537,500 ↓ 60%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 151%
$1,915/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 22%
135,015
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kent, WA and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 145 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $294/month cheaper in Kent, saving renters about $3,528/year.

Median household income is $18,142/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kent is $537,500 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Kent residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kent vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Kent or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kent is cheaper to live in with an index of 145 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kent and Berkeley?
Median rent in Kent is $1,833/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $294/month.
Which city has higher income, Kent or Berkeley?
Median household income is $90,416 in Kent and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $18,142/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between Washington and California?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Kent or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Kent has a cost index of 145 with median rent of $1,833/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Kent details → View Berkeley details →

More Comparisons

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