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

Kent

Washington
145
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Kent is 13% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,833/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 20%
$90,416/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 13%
$537,500 ↓ 9%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 10%
$1,915/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 16%
135,015
Population
119,985

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kent, WA and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 145 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $358/month cheaper in Kent, saving renters about $4,296/year.

Median household income is $11,905/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kent is $537,500 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Kent vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Kent or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kent is cheaper to live in with an index of 145 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kent and Fairfield?
Median rent in Kent is $1,833/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $358/month.
Which city has higher income, Kent or Fairfield?
Median household income is $90,416 in Kent and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $11,905/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Kent has a cost index of 145 with median rent of $1,833/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Kent details → View Fairfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Kent and Fairfield

Kent vs. Stamford Kent vs. Midland Kent vs. Elizabeth Kent vs. Coral Springs Kent vs. Victorville Kent vs. Sterling Heights Fairfield vs. Berkeley Fairfield vs. Hartford Fairfield vs. Ann Arbor Fairfield vs. West Palm Beach Fairfield vs. Lafayette Fairfield vs. Spring Hill