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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Modesto is 17% cheaper than Kent.

$1,609/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↑ 14%
$77,899/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↑ 16%
$415,600 ↓ 23%
Home Value
$537,500 ↑ 29%
$1,613/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↑ 19%
218,614
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $224/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $2,688/year.

Median household income is $12,517/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 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

Modesto vs Kent — common questions

Is Modesto or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Kent?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $224/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Kent?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $12,517/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 Modesto or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/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 Modesto details → View Kent details →

More Comparisons

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Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley Kent vs. Stamford Kent vs. Midland Kent vs. Elizabeth Kent vs. Coral Springs Kent vs. Victorville Kent vs. Sterling Heights