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

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Tempe is 17% cheaper than Kent.

$1,623/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↑ 13%
$77,643/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↑ 16%
$421,900 ↓ 22%
Home Value
$537,500 ↑ 27%
$1,554/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↑ 23%
186,419
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $210/month cheaper in Tempe, saving renters about $2,520/year.

Median household income is $12,773/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 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

Tempe vs Kent — common questions

Is Tempe or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tempe is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Kent?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $210/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Kent?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $12,773/year higher in Kent.
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 Tempe or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/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 Tempe details → View Kent details →

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