Cost of Living: Kent, WA vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Kent

Washington
145
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Kent is 88% more expensive than Lafayette.

$1,833/mo ↑ 72%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 42%
$90,416/yr ↑ 47%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 32%
$537,500 ↑ 114%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 53%
$1,915/mo ↑ 81%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 45%
135,015
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kent, WA and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 145 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $768/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $9,216/year.

Median household income is $28,962/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kent is $537,500 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Kent vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Kent or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kent and Lafayette?
Median rent in Kent is $1,833/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $768/month.
Which city has higher income, Kent or Lafayette?
Median household income is $90,416 in Kent and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $28,962/year higher in Kent.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Louisiana?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Kent or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Kent has a cost index of 145 with median rent of $1,833/mo, while Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with rent of $1,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Kent details → View Lafayette details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Kent and Lafayette

Kent vs. Stamford Kent vs. Midland Kent vs. Elizabeth Kent vs. Coral Springs Kent vs. Victorville Kent vs. Sterling Heights Lafayette vs. Rochester Lafayette vs. Ann Arbor Lafayette vs. Independence Lafayette vs. Berkeley Lafayette vs. College Station Lafayette vs. Fairfield