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

Lancaster

California
124
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Lancaster is 14% cheaper than Kent.

$1,696/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↑ 8%
$76,083/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↑ 19%
$409,100 ↓ 24%
Home Value
$537,500 ↑ 31%
$1,746/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↑ 10%
170,013
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lancaster, CA and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 124 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $137/month cheaper in Lancaster, saving renters about $1,644/year.

Median household income is $14,333/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lancaster is $409,100 compared to $537,500 in Kent.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lancaster vs Kent — common questions

Is Lancaster or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lancaster is cheaper to live in with an index of 124 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lancaster and Kent?
Median rent in Lancaster is $1,696/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $137/month.
Which city has higher income, Lancaster or Kent?
Median household income is $76,083 in Lancaster and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $14,333/year higher in Kent.
How do taxes compare between California and Washington?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Lancaster or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with median rent of $1,696/mo, while Kent has a cost index of 145 with rent of $1,833/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lancaster details → View Kent details →

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