Cost of Living: Springfield, MA vs Kent, WA (2026)

Springfield

Massachusetts
79
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Springfield is 46% cheaper than Kent.

$1,114/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↑ 65%
$51,339/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↑ 76%
$222,700 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$537,500 ↑ 141%
$1,276/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↑ 50%
154,751
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Springfield, MA and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $719/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $8,628/year.

Median household income is $39,077/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Springfield is $222,700 compared to $537,500 in Kent.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Kent residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Springfield vs Kent — common questions

Is Springfield or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Springfield and Kent?
Median rent in Springfield is $1,114/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $719/month.
Which city has higher income, Springfield or Kent?
Median household income is $51,339 in Springfield and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $39,077/year higher in Kent.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Washington?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Springfield or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Springfield has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,114/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 Springfield details → View Kent details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Springfield and Kent

Springfield vs. Kansas City Springfield vs. Sunnyvale Springfield vs. Killeen Springfield vs. Hollywood Springfield vs. Lakewood Springfield vs. Roseville Kent vs. Stamford Kent vs. Midland Kent vs. Elizabeth Kent vs. Coral Springs Kent vs. Victorville Kent vs. Sterling Heights