Cost of Living: Richmond, VA vs Kent, WA (2026)

Richmond

Virginia
98
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Richmond is 32% cheaper than Kent.

$1,314/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↑ 39%
$62,671/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↑ 44%
$328,100 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$537,500 ↑ 64%
$1,374/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↑ 39%
227,595
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Richmond, VA and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 98 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $519/month cheaper in Richmond, saving renters about $6,228/year.

Median household income is $27,745/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Richmond is $328,100 compared to $537,500 in Kent.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Kent residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Richmond vs Kent — common questions

Is Richmond or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richmond is cheaper to live in with an index of 98 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Richmond and Kent?
Median rent in Richmond is $1,314/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $519/month.
Which city has higher income, Richmond or Kent?
Median household income is $62,671 in Richmond and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $27,745/year higher in Kent.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Washington?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Richmond or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Richmond has a cost index of 98 with median rent of $1,314/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 Richmond details → View Kent details →

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