Cost of Living: Kent, WA vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Kent

Washington
145
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Kent is 56% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,833/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 28%
$90,416/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↓ 3%
$537,500 ↑ 87%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 47%
$1,915/mo ↑ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 30%
135,015
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.85%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kent, WA and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 145 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $517/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $6,204/year.

Median household income is $2,649/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kent is $537,500 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Kent residents a significant tax advantage over Minnesota's 9.85% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kent vs Rochester — common questions

Is Kent or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kent and Rochester?
Median rent in Kent is $1,833/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $517/month.
Which city has higher income, Kent or Rochester?
Median household income is $90,416 in Kent and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $2,649/year higher in Kent.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Minnesota?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Kent or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Kent has a cost index of 145 with median rent of $1,833/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 93 with rent of $1,316/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Kent details → View Rochester details →

More Comparisons

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