Cost of Living: Kent, WA vs Murrieta, CA (2026)

Kent

Washington
145
VS

Murrieta

California
175

Kent is 17% cheaper than Murrieta.

$1,833/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$2,330/mo ↑ 27%
$90,416/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$109,780/yr ↑ 21%
$537,500 ↓ 11%
Home Value
$606,900 ↑ 13%
$1,915/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$2,380/mo ↑ 24%
135,015
Population
111,621

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kent, WA and Murrieta, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 145 and 175 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $497/month cheaper in Kent, saving renters about $5,964/year.

Median household income is $19,364/year higher in Murrieta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kent is $537,500 compared to $606,900 in Murrieta.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Kent residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kent vs Murrieta — common questions

Is Kent or Murrieta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kent is cheaper to live in with an index of 145 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kent and Murrieta?
Median rent in Kent is $1,833/month and in Murrieta it's $2,330/month — a difference of $497/month.
Which city has higher income, Kent or Murrieta?
Median household income is $90,416 in Kent and $109,780 in Murrieta. Median household income is $19,364/year higher in Murrieta.
How do taxes compare between Washington and California?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Kent or Murrieta?
It depends on your priorities. Kent has a cost index of 145 with median rent of $1,833/mo, while Murrieta has a cost index of 175 with rent of $2,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Kent details → View Murrieta details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Kent and Murrieta

Kent vs. Stamford Kent vs. Midland Kent vs. Elizabeth Kent vs. Coral Springs Kent vs. Victorville Kent vs. Sterling Heights Murrieta vs. Downey Murrieta vs. Pueblo Murrieta vs. Peoria Murrieta vs. Miami Gardens Murrieta vs. Pompano Beach Murrieta vs. Everett