Santa Rosa, CA vs Kent, WA: 172 vs 145

$2,084/mo ↑ 14%

Median Rent

$1,833/mo ↓ 12%

$97,410/yr ↑ 8%

Median Income

$90,416/yr ↓ 7%

$685,000 ↑ 27%

Home Value

$537,500 ↓ 22%

$2,130/mo ↑ 11%

Owner Costs

$1,915/mo ↓ 10%

177,216

Population

135,015

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Rosa, CA and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $251/month cheaper in Kent, saving renters about $3,012/year.

Median household income is $6,994/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Rosa is $685,000 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 Rosa vs Kent — common questions

Is Santa Rosa or Kent cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Kent is cheaper to live in with an index of 145 compared to 172 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Santa Rosa and Kent?

Median rent in Santa Rosa is $2,084/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $251/month.

Which city has higher income, Santa Rosa or Kent?

Median household income is $97,410 in Santa Rosa and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $6,994/year higher in Santa Rosa.

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 Rosa or Kent?

It depends on your priorities. Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,084/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.

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

Santa Rosa

Kent

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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