Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Kent, WA (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Philadelphia is 41% cheaper than Kent.

$1,323/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↑ 39%
$60,698/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↑ 49%
$232,400 ↓ 57%
Home Value
$537,500 ↑ 131%
$1,233/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↑ 55%
1,582,432
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $510/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $6,120/year.

Median household income is $29,718/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $537,500 in Kent.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Kent residents a significant tax advantage over Pennsylvania's 3.07% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Kent — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Kent?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $510/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Kent?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $29,718/year higher in Kent.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Washington?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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 Philadelphia details → View Kent details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Philadelphia and Kent

Philadelphia vs. Phoenix Philadelphia vs. San Antonio Philadelphia vs. Houston Philadelphia vs. San Diego Philadelphia vs. Chicago Philadelphia vs. Dallas Kent vs. Stamford Kent vs. Midland Kent vs. Elizabeth Kent vs. Coral Springs Kent vs. Victorville Kent vs. Sterling Heights