Cost of Living: Kent, WA vs Lansing, MI (2026)

Kent

Washington
145
VS

Lansing

Michigan
58

Kent is 150% more expensive than Lansing.

$1,833/mo ↑ 88%
Median Rent
$976/mo ↓ 47%
$90,416/yr ↑ 73%
Median Income
$52,170/yr ↓ 42%
$537,500 ↑ 350%
Home Value
$119,400 ↓ 78%
$1,915/mo ↑ 96%
Owner Costs
$978/mo ↓ 49%
135,015
Population
112,546

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kent, WA and Lansing, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 145 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $857/month cheaper in Lansing, saving renters about $10,284/year.

Median household income is $38,246/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kent is $537,500 compared to $119,400 in Lansing.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Kent vs Lansing — common questions

Is Kent or Lansing cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lansing is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kent and Lansing?
Median rent in Kent is $1,833/month and in Lansing it's $976/month — a difference of $857/month.
Which city has higher income, Kent or Lansing?
Median household income is $90,416 in Kent and $52,170 in Lansing. Median household income is $38,246/year higher in Kent.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Michigan?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Kent or Lansing?
It depends on your priorities. Kent has a cost index of 145 with median rent of $1,833/mo, while Lansing has a cost index of 58 with rent of $976/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Kent details → View Lansing details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Kent and Lansing

Kent vs. Stamford Kent vs. Midland Kent vs. Elizabeth Kent vs. Coral Springs Kent vs. Victorville Kent vs. Sterling Heights Lansing vs. Las Cruces Lansing vs. Pompano Beach Lansing vs. Gresham Lansing vs. Peoria Lansing vs. Beaumont Lansing vs. Downey