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

Pasadena

California
220
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Pasadena is 52% more expensive than Kent.

$2,218/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↓ 17%
$103,778/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↓ 13%
$1,045,000 ↑ 94%
Home Value
$537,500 ↓ 49%
$2,340/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↓ 18%
136,462
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, CA and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 220 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $385/month cheaper in Kent, saving renters about $4,620/year.

Median household income is $13,362/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $1,045,000 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

Pasadena vs Kent — common questions

Is Pasadena or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kent is cheaper to live in with an index of 145 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Kent?
Median rent in Pasadena is $2,218/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $385/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Kent?
Median household income is $103,778 in Pasadena and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $13,362/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with median rent of $2,218/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 Pasadena details → View Kent details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Pasadena and Kent

Pasadena vs. Dayton Pasadena vs. Miramar Pasadena vs. Cedar Rapids Pasadena vs. Victorville Pasadena vs. Hampton Pasadena vs. Elizabeth Kent vs. Stamford Kent vs. Midland Kent vs. Elizabeth Kent vs. Coral Springs Kent vs. Victorville Kent vs. Sterling Heights