Cost of Living: Kent, WA vs Lakeland, FL (2026)

Kent

Washington
145
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Kent is 77% more expensive than Lakeland.

$1,833/mo ↑ 41%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↓ 29%
$90,416/yr ↑ 48%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 33%
$537,500 ↑ 135%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 57%
$1,915/mo ↑ 67%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 40%
135,015
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kent, WA and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 145 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $534/month cheaper in Lakeland, saving renters about $6,408/year.

Median household income is $29,469/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kent is $537,500 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kent vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Kent or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kent and Lakeland?
Median rent in Kent is $1,833/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $534/month.
Which city has higher income, Kent or Lakeland?
Median household income is $90,416 in Kent and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $29,469/year higher in Kent.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Florida?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Kent or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Kent has a cost index of 145 with median rent of $1,833/mo, while Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with rent of $1,299/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Kent details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Kent and Lakeland

Kent vs. Stamford Kent vs. Midland Kent vs. Elizabeth Kent vs. Coral Springs Kent vs. Victorville Kent vs. Sterling Heights Lakeland vs. Clearwater Lakeland vs. The Woodlands Lakeland vs. North Charleston Lakeland vs. Evansville Lakeland vs. Cambridge Lakeland vs. Brandon