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

Long Beach

California
169
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Long Beach is 17% more expensive than Kent.

$1,803/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↑ 2%
$83,969/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↑ 8%
$762,200 ↑ 42%
Home Value
$537,500 ↓ 29%
$1,890/mo ↓ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↑ 1%
458,491
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $6,447/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 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

Long Beach vs Kent — common questions

Is Long Beach or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kent is cheaper to live in with an index of 145 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Kent?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $30/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Kent?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $6,447/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 Long Beach or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/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 Long Beach details → View Kent details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Long Beach and Kent

Long Beach vs. Raleigh Long Beach vs. Virginia Beach Long Beach vs. Colorado Springs Long Beach vs. Miami Long Beach vs. Omaha Long Beach vs. Oakland Kent vs. Stamford Kent vs. Midland Kent vs. Elizabeth Kent vs. Coral Springs Kent vs. Victorville Kent vs. Sterling Heights