Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Kent, WA (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Portland is 5% cheaper than Kent.

$1,596/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↑ 15%
$88,792/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↑ 2%
$557,600 ↑ 4%
Home Value
$537,500 ↓ 4%
$1,771/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↑ 8%
642,715
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
0%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $237/month cheaper in Portland, saving renters about $2,844/year.

Median household income is $1,624/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $537,500 in Kent.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Kent residents a significant tax advantage over Oregon's 9.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Kent — common questions

Is Portland or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Portland is cheaper to live in with an index of 138 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Kent?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $237/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Kent?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $1,624/year higher in Kent.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Washington?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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 Portland details → View Kent details →

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