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

Orange

California
206
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Orange is 42% more expensive than Kent.

$2,252/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↓ 19%
$116,945/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↓ 23%
$900,700 ↑ 68%
Home Value
$537,500 ↓ 40%
$2,394/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↓ 20%
138,723
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Orange, CA and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 206 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $419/month cheaper in Kent, saving renters about $5,028/year.

Median household income is $26,529/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Orange is $900,700 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

Orange vs Kent — common questions

Is Orange or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kent is cheaper to live in with an index of 145 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Orange and Kent?
Median rent in Orange is $2,252/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $419/month.
Which city has higher income, Orange or Kent?
Median household income is $116,945 in Orange and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $26,529/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Orange has a cost index of 206 with median rent of $2,252/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 Orange details → View Kent details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Orange and Kent

Orange vs. Metairie Orange vs. Warren Orange vs. Fullerton Orange vs. Columbia Orange vs. Waco Orange vs. West Valley City Kent vs. Stamford Kent vs. Midland Kent vs. Elizabeth Kent vs. Coral Springs Kent vs. Victorville Kent vs. Sterling Heights