Cost of Living: Kent, WA vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Kent

Washington
145
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Kent is 11% more expensive than Meridian.

$1,833/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↓ 6%
$90,416/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 9%
$537,500 ↑ 11%
Home Value
$485,000 ↓ 10%
$1,915/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↓ 16%
135,015
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.8%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kent, WA and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 145 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $119/month cheaper in Meridian, saving renters about $1,428/year.

Median household income is $8,270/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kent is $537,500 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Kent residents a significant tax advantage over Idaho's 5.8% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kent vs Meridian — common questions

Is Kent or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Meridian is cheaper to live in with an index of 131 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kent and Meridian?
Median rent in Kent is $1,833/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $119/month.
Which city has higher income, Kent or Meridian?
Median household income is $90,416 in Kent and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $8,270/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Idaho?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Kent or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Kent has a cost index of 145 with median rent of $1,833/mo, while Meridian has a cost index of 131 with rent of $1,714/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Kent details → View Meridian details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Kent and Meridian

Kent vs. Stamford Kent vs. Midland Kent vs. Elizabeth Kent vs. Coral Springs Kent vs. Victorville Kent vs. Sterling Heights Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord