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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Kent

Washington
145

San Diego is 36% more expensive than Kent.

$2,223/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↓ 18%
$104,321/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↓ 13%
$848,500 ↑ 58%
Home Value
$537,500 ↓ 37%
$2,308/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↓ 17%
1,385,061
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $390/month cheaper in Kent, saving renters about $4,680/year.

Median household income is $13,905/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 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

San Diego vs Kent — common questions

Is San Diego or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kent is cheaper to live in with an index of 145 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Kent?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $390/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Kent?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $13,905/year higher in San Diego.
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 San Diego or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/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 San Diego details → View Kent details →

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