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

Oakland

California
195
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Oakland is 34% more expensive than Kent.

$1,917/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↓ 4%
$97,369/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↓ 7%
$924,700 ↑ 72%
Home Value
$537,500 ↓ 42%
$2,164/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↓ 12%
438,072
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $84/month cheaper in Kent, saving renters about $1,008/year.

Median household income is $6,953/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 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

Oakland vs Kent — common questions

Is Oakland or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kent is cheaper to live in with an index of 145 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and Kent?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $84/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Kent?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $6,953/year higher in Oakland.
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 Oakland or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/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 Oakland details → View Kent details →

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