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

Ontario

California
152
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Ontario is 5% more expensive than Kent.

$1,916/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↓ 4%
$82,806/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↑ 9%
$568,000 ↑ 6%
Home Value
$537,500 ↓ 5%
$1,967/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↓ 3%
178,347
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

27.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ontario, CA and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 152 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $83/month cheaper in Kent, saving renters about $996/year.

Median household income is $7,610/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ontario is $568,000 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

Ontario vs Kent — common questions

Is Ontario or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kent is cheaper to live in with an index of 145 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ontario and Kent?
Median rent in Ontario is $1,916/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $83/month.
Which city has higher income, Ontario or Kent?
Median household income is $82,806 in Ontario and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $7,610/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 Ontario or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Ontario has a cost index of 152 with median rent of $1,916/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 Ontario details → View Kent details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Ontario and Kent

Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa Kent vs. Stamford Kent vs. Midland Kent vs. Elizabeth Kent vs. Coral Springs Kent vs. Victorville Kent vs. Sterling Heights