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

Riverside

California
144
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Riverside and Kent have a similar cost of living.

$1,812/mo ↓ 1%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↑ 1%
$88,575/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↑ 2%
$542,100 ≈ Same
Home Value
$537,500 ≈ Same
$1,880/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↑ 2%
316,241
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Riverside, CA and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $1,841/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Riverside is $542,100 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

Riverside vs Kent — common questions

Is Riverside or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Riverside is cheaper to live in with an index of 144 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Riverside and Kent?
Median rent in Riverside is $1,812/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $21/month.
Which city has higher income, Riverside or Kent?
Median household income is $88,575 in Riverside and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $1,841/year higher in Kent.
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 Riverside or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Riverside has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $1,812/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 Riverside details → View Kent details →

More Comparisons

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