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

Kent

Washington
145
VS

Richmond

California
161

Kent is 10% cheaper than Richmond.

$1,833/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↑ 3%
$90,416/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$90,038/yr ≈ Same
$537,500 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 21%
$1,915/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 5%
135,015
Population
115,396

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
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kent, WA and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 145 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $62/month cheaper in Kent, saving renters about $744/year.

Median household income is $378/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kent is $537,500 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Kent vs Richmond — common questions

Is Kent or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kent is cheaper to live in with an index of 145 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kent and Richmond?
Median rent in Kent is $1,833/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $62/month.
Which city has higher income, Kent or Richmond?
Median household income is $90,416 in Kent and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $378/year higher in Kent.
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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Kent has a cost index of 145 with median rent of $1,833/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Kent details → View Richmond details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Kent and Richmond

Kent vs. Stamford Kent vs. Midland Kent vs. Elizabeth Kent vs. Coral Springs Kent vs. Victorville Kent vs. Sterling Heights Richmond vs. Manchester Richmond vs. High Point Richmond vs. Westminster Richmond vs. League City Richmond vs. Antioch Richmond vs. Lowell