Cost of Living: Kent, WA vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Kent

Washington
145
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Kent is 45% more expensive than Wilmington.

$1,833/mo ↑ 40%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↓ 28%
$90,416/yr ↑ 41%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 29%
$537,500 ↑ 53%
Home Value
$350,300 ↓ 35%
$1,915/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↓ 28%
135,015
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kent, WA and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 145 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $522/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $6,264/year.

Median household income is $26,516/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kent is $537,500 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Kent residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kent vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Kent or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kent and Wilmington?
Median rent in Kent is $1,833/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $522/month.
Which city has higher income, Kent or Wilmington?
Median household income is $90,416 in Kent and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $26,516/year higher in Kent.
How do taxes compare between Washington and North Carolina?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Kent or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Kent has a cost index of 145 with median rent of $1,833/mo, while Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,311/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Kent details → View Wilmington details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Kent and Wilmington

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