Cost of Living: Tacoma, WA vs Kent, WA (2026)

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Tacoma is 13% cheaper than Kent.

$1,597/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↑ 15%
$83,857/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↑ 8%
$454,600 ↓ 15%
Home Value
$537,500 ↑ 18%
$1,747/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↑ 10%
220,482
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $236/month cheaper in Tacoma, saving renters about $2,832/year.

Median household income is $6,559/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $537,500 in Kent.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Washington.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Kent — common questions

Is Tacoma or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tacoma is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tacoma and Kent?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $236/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Kent?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $6,559/year higher in Kent.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Washington?
Both cities are in Washington and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Tacoma or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/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 Tacoma details → View Kent details →

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