Cost of Living: Kent, WA vs Dearborn, MI (2026)

Kent

Washington
145
VS

Dearborn

Michigan
79

Kent is 84% more expensive than Dearborn.

$1,833/mo ↑ 45%
Median Rent
$1,264/mo ↓ 31%
$90,416/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$65,192/yr ↓ 28%
$537,500 ↑ 161%
Home Value
$205,900 ↓ 62%
$1,915/mo ↑ 63%
Owner Costs
$1,174/mo ↓ 39%
135,015
Population
107,846

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kent, WA and Dearborn, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 145 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $569/month cheaper in Dearborn, saving renters about $6,828/year.

Median household income is $25,224/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kent is $537,500 compared to $205,900 in Dearborn.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Kent residents a significant tax advantage over Michigan's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kent vs Dearborn — common questions

Is Kent or Dearborn cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dearborn is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kent and Dearborn?
Median rent in Kent is $1,833/month and in Dearborn it's $1,264/month — a difference of $569/month.
Which city has higher income, Kent or Dearborn?
Median household income is $90,416 in Kent and $65,192 in Dearborn. Median household income is $25,224/year higher in Kent.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Michigan?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Kent or Dearborn?
It depends on your priorities. Kent has a cost index of 145 with median rent of $1,833/mo, while Dearborn has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,264/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Kent details → View Dearborn details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Kent and Dearborn

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