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

Kent

Washington
145
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Kent is 116% more expensive than Independence.

$1,833/mo ↑ 73%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↓ 42%
$90,416/yr ↑ 52%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↓ 34%
$537,500 ↑ 223%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 69%
$1,915/mo ↑ 83%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 45%
135,015
Population
121,944

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
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kent, WA and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 145 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $772/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $9,264/year.

Median household income is $30,936/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kent is $537,500 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Kent vs Independence — common questions

Is Kent or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kent and Independence?
Median rent in Kent is $1,833/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $772/month.
Which city has higher income, Kent or Independence?
Median household income is $90,416 in Kent and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $30,936/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 Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Kent has a cost index of 145 with median rent of $1,833/mo, while Independence has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,061/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Kent details → View Independence details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Kent and Independence

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