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

Santa Clarita

California
197
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Santa Clarita is 36% more expensive than Kent.

$2,486/mo ↑ 36%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↓ 26%
$119,926/yr ↑ 33%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↓ 25%
$721,000 ↑ 34%
Home Value
$537,500 ↓ 25%
$2,649/mo ↑ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↓ 28%
229,021
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clarita, CA and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $653/month cheaper in Kent, saving renters about $7,836/year.

Median household income is $29,510/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clarita is $721,000 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

Santa Clarita vs Kent — common questions

Is Santa Clarita 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 Santa Clarita and Kent?
Median rent in Santa Clarita is $2,486/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $653/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clarita or Kent?
Median household income is $119,926 in Santa Clarita and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $29,510/year higher in Santa Clarita.
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 Santa Clarita or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,486/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 Santa Clarita details → View Kent details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Santa Clarita and Kent

Santa Clarita vs. Spokane Santa Clarita vs. Fremont Santa Clarita vs. Enterprise Santa Clarita vs. Richmond Santa Clarita vs. Norfolk Santa Clarita vs. Baton Rouge Kent vs. Stamford Kent vs. Midland Kent vs. Elizabeth Kent vs. Coral Springs Kent vs. Victorville Kent vs. Sterling Heights