Cost of Living: Kent, WA vs Springfield, IL (2026)

Kent

Washington
145
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Kent is 138% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,833/mo ↑ 94%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 48%
$90,416/yr ↑ 38%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↓ 28%
$537,500 ↑ 246%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 71%
$1,915/mo ↑ 97%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 49%
135,015
Population
113,714

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kent, WA and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 145 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $888/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $10,656/year.

Median household income is $24,879/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kent is $537,500 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Kent residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kent vs Springfield — common questions

Is Kent or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kent and Springfield?
Median rent in Kent is $1,833/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $888/month.
Which city has higher income, Kent or Springfield?
Median household income is $90,416 in Kent and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $24,879/year higher in Kent.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Illinois?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Kent or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Kent has a cost index of 145 with median rent of $1,833/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 61 with rent of $945/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Kent details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Kent and Springfield

Kent vs. Stamford Kent vs. Midland Kent vs. Elizabeth Kent vs. Coral Springs Kent vs. Victorville Kent vs. Sterling Heights Springfield vs. Odessa Springfield vs. Beaumont Springfield vs. Elgin Springfield vs. Gresham Springfield vs. Provo Springfield vs. Las Cruces