Cost of Living: Kent, WA vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Kent

Washington
145
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Kent is 39% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,833/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 50%
$90,416/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 40%
$537,500 ↓ 48%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 94%
$1,915/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 38%
135,015
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kent, WA and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 145 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $909/month cheaper in Kent, saving renters about $10,908/year.

Median household income is $36,053/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kent is $537,500 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Kent residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kent vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Kent or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kent is cheaper to live in with an index of 145 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kent and Cambridge?
Median rent in Kent is $1,833/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $909/month.
Which city has higher income, Kent or Cambridge?
Median household income is $90,416 in Kent and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $36,053/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Massachusetts?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Kent or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Kent has a cost index of 145 with median rent of $1,833/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Kent details → View Cambridge details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Kent and Cambridge

Kent vs. Stamford Kent vs. Midland Kent vs. Elizabeth Kent vs. Coral Springs Kent vs. Victorville Kent vs. Sterling Heights Cambridge vs. Richardson Cambridge vs. North Charleston Cambridge vs. Billings Cambridge vs. Clearwater Cambridge vs. Wilmington Cambridge vs. Lakeland