Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT vs Kent, WA (2026)

Salt Lake City

Utah
117
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Salt Lake City is 19% cheaper than Kent.

$1,343/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↑ 36%
$74,925/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↑ 21%
$495,700 ↓ 8%
Home Value
$537,500 ↑ 8%
$1,394/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↑ 37%
203,888
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
0%
6.1%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.58%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salt Lake City, UT and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $490/month cheaper in Salt Lake City, saving renters about $5,880/year.

Median household income is $15,491/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salt Lake City is $495,700 compared to $537,500 in Kent.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Kent residents a significant tax advantage over Utah's 4.65% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake City vs Kent — common questions

Is Salt Lake City or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salt Lake City is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salt Lake City and Kent?
Median rent in Salt Lake City is $1,343/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $490/month.
Which city has higher income, Salt Lake City or Kent?
Median household income is $74,925 in Salt Lake City and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $15,491/year higher in Kent.
How do taxes compare between Utah and Washington?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Salt Lake City or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,343/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 Salt Lake City details → View Kent details →

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