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

Sunnyvale

California
341
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Sunnyvale is 135% more expensive than Kent.

$3,065/mo ↑ 67%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↓ 40%
$181,862/yr ↑ 101%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↓ 50%
$1,816,600 ↑ 238%
Home Value
$537,500 ↓ 70%
$3,016/mo ↑ 57%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↓ 37%
153,455
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sunnyvale, CA and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 341 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,232/month cheaper in Kent, saving renters about $14,784/year.

Median household income is $91,446/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sunnyvale is $1,816,600 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

Sunnyvale vs Kent — common questions

Is Sunnyvale or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kent is cheaper to live in with an index of 145 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sunnyvale and Kent?
Median rent in Sunnyvale is $3,065/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $1,232/month.
Which city has higher income, Sunnyvale or Kent?
Median household income is $181,862 in Sunnyvale and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $91,446/year higher in Sunnyvale.
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 Sunnyvale or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with median rent of $3,065/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 Sunnyvale details → View Kent details →

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