Cost of Living: Memphis, TN vs Kent, WA (2026)

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Memphis is 53% cheaper than Kent.

$1,123/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↑ 63%
$51,211/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↑ 77%
$157,100 ↓ 71%
Home Value
$537,500 ↑ 242%
$1,087/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↑ 76%
629,063
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $710/month cheaper in Memphis, saving renters about $8,520/year.

Median household income is $39,205/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $537,500 in Kent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Kent — common questions

Is Memphis or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Kent?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $710/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Kent?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $39,205/year higher in Kent.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Washington?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Memphis or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/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 Memphis details → View Kent details →

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