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

Kent

Washington
145
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Kent is 53% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$1,833/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 63%
$90,416/yr ↓ 48%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 92%
$537,500 ↓ 65%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 184%
$1,915/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 59%
135,015
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kent, WA and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 145 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,152/month cheaper in Kent, saving renters about $13,824/year.

Median household income is $83,254/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kent is $537,500 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Kent vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Kent or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kent is cheaper to live in with an index of 145 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kent and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Kent is $1,833/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $1,152/month.
Which city has higher income, Kent or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $90,416 in Kent and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $83,254/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Kent has a cost index of 145 with median rent of $1,833/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Kent details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Kent and Santa Clara

Kent vs. Stamford Kent vs. Midland Kent vs. Elizabeth Kent vs. Coral Springs Kent vs. Victorville Kent vs. Sterling Heights Santa Clara vs. Carrollton Santa Clara vs. Fargo Santa Clara vs. New Haven Santa Clara vs. Norman Santa Clara vs. Sterling Heights Santa Clara vs. Lewisville