Cost of Living: Kent, WA vs Hartford, CT (2026)

Kent

Washington
145
VS

Hartford

Connecticut
81

Kent is 79% more expensive than Hartford.

$1,833/mo ↑ 50%
Median Rent
$1,221/mo ↓ 33%
$90,416/yr ↑ 100%
Median Income
$45,300/yr ↓ 50%
$537,500 ↑ 147%
Home Value
$217,200 ↓ 60%
$1,915/mo ↑ 50%
Owner Costs
$1,279/mo ↓ 33%
135,015
Population
119,970

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.92%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kent, WA and Hartford, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 145 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $612/month cheaper in Hartford, saving renters about $7,344/year.

Median household income is $45,116/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kent is $537,500 compared to $217,200 in Hartford.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Kent residents a significant tax advantage over Connecticut's 6.99% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kent vs Hartford — common questions

Is Kent or Hartford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hartford is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kent and Hartford?
Median rent in Kent is $1,833/month and in Hartford it's $1,221/month — a difference of $612/month.
Which city has higher income, Kent or Hartford?
Median household income is $90,416 in Kent and $45,300 in Hartford. Median household income is $45,116/year higher in Kent.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Connecticut?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Kent or Hartford?
It depends on your priorities. Kent has a cost index of 145 with median rent of $1,833/mo, while Hartford has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,221/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Kent details → View Hartford details →

More Comparisons

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