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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Sacramento is 9% cheaper than Kent.

$1,694/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↑ 8%
$83,753/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↑ 8%
$484,600 ↓ 10%
Home Value
$537,500 ↑ 11%
$1,752/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↑ 9%
524,802
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $139/month cheaper in Sacramento, saving renters about $1,668/year.

Median household income is $6,663/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 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

Sacramento vs Kent — common questions

Is Sacramento or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sacramento is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Kent?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $139/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Kent?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $6,663/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 Sacramento or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View Kent details →

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