Cost of Living: Kent, WA vs New Haven, CT (2026)

Kent

Washington
145
VS

New Haven

Connecticut
95

Kent is 50% more expensive than New Haven.

$1,833/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,442/mo ↓ 21%
$90,416/yr ↑ 68%
Median Income
$53,771/yr ↓ 41%
$537,500 ↑ 116%
Home Value
$249,000 ↓ 54%
$1,915/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,520/mo ↓ 21%
135,015
Population
132,893

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.5%
Sales Tax
6.35%
0.92%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kent, WA and New Haven, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 145 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $391/month cheaper in New Haven, saving renters about $4,692/year.

Median household income is $36,645/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kent is $537,500 compared to $249,000 in New Haven.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Kent residents a significant tax advantage over Connecticut's 6.99% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kent vs New Haven — common questions

Is Kent or New Haven cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Haven is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kent and New Haven?
Median rent in Kent is $1,833/month and in New Haven it's $1,442/month — a difference of $391/month.
Which city has higher income, Kent or New Haven?
Median household income is $90,416 in Kent and $53,771 in New Haven. Median household income is $36,645/year higher in Kent.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Connecticut?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Kent or New Haven?
It depends on your priorities. Kent has a cost index of 145 with median rent of $1,833/mo, while New Haven has a cost index of 95 with rent of $1,442/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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