Cost of Living: Kent, WA vs Columbia, MO (2026)

Kent

Washington
145
VS

Columbia

Missouri
80

Kent is 81% more expensive than Columbia.

$1,833/mo ↑ 72%
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ↓ 42%
$90,416/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$64,488/yr ↓ 29%
$537,500 ↑ 100%
Home Value
$268,300 ↓ 50%
$1,915/mo ↑ 72%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 42%
135,015
Population
127,200

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kent, WA and Columbia, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 145 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $766/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $9,192/year.

Median household income is $25,928/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kent is $537,500 compared to $268,300 in Columbia.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Kent residents a significant tax advantage over Missouri's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kent vs Columbia — common questions

Is Kent or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kent and Columbia?
Median rent in Kent is $1,833/month and in Columbia it's $1,067/month — a difference of $766/month.
Which city has higher income, Kent or Columbia?
Median household income is $90,416 in Kent and $64,488 in Columbia. Median household income is $25,928/year higher in Kent.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Missouri?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Kent or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Kent has a cost index of 145 with median rent of $1,833/mo, while Columbia has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,067/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Kent details → View Columbia details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Kent and Columbia

Kent vs. Stamford Kent vs. Midland Kent vs. Elizabeth Kent vs. Coral Springs Kent vs. Victorville Kent vs. Sterling Heights Columbia vs. Lehigh Acres Columbia vs. Abilene Columbia vs. Lewisville Columbia vs. Athens Columbia vs. Norman Columbia vs. Topeka