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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Los Angeles is 29% more expensive than Kent.

$1,879/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↓ 2%
$80,366/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↑ 13%
$879,500 ↑ 64%
Home Value
$537,500 ↓ 39%
$2,055/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↓ 7%
3,857,897
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $10,050/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 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

Los Angeles vs Kent — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kent is cheaper to live in with an index of 145 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Kent?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $46/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Kent?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $10,050/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 Los Angeles or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Kent details →

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