Cost of Living: Scottsdale, AZ vs Kent, WA (2026)

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Scottsdale is 14% more expensive than Kent.

$1,910/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↓ 4%
$107,372/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↓ 16%
$709,900 ↑ 32%
Home Value
$537,500 ↓ 24%
$1,824/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↑ 5%
242,169
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $77/month cheaper in Kent, saving renters about $924/year.

Median household income is $16,956/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $537,500 in Kent.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Kent residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Kent — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kent is cheaper to live in with an index of 145 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Kent?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $77/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Kent?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $16,956/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Washington?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Scottsdale or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/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 Scottsdale details → View Kent details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Scottsdale and Kent

Scottsdale vs. Garland Scottsdale vs. Boise Scottsdale vs. Glendale Scottsdale vs. Arlington Scottsdale vs. Winston-Salem Scottsdale vs. Norfolk Kent vs. Stamford Kent vs. Midland Kent vs. Elizabeth Kent vs. Coral Springs Kent vs. Victorville Kent vs. Sterling Heights