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

Torrance

California
218
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Torrance is 50% more expensive than Kent.

$2,214/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↓ 17%
$113,105/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↓ 20%
$1,036,600 ↑ 93%
Home Value
$537,500 ↓ 48%
$2,295/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↓ 17%
143,499
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Torrance, CA and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 218 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $381/month cheaper in Kent, saving renters about $4,572/year.

Median household income is $22,689/year higher in Torrance. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Torrance is $1,036,600 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

Torrance vs Kent — common questions

Is Torrance or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kent is cheaper to live in with an index of 145 compared to 218 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Torrance and Kent?
Median rent in Torrance is $2,214/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $381/month.
Which city has higher income, Torrance or Kent?
Median household income is $113,105 in Torrance and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $22,689/year higher in Torrance.
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 Torrance or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Torrance has a cost index of 218 with median rent of $2,214/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 Torrance details → View Kent details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Torrance and Kent

Torrance vs. Gainesville Torrance vs. Thornton Torrance vs. Olathe Torrance vs. Visalia Torrance vs. McAllen Torrance vs. Waco Kent vs. Stamford Kent vs. Midland Kent vs. Elizabeth Kent vs. Coral Springs Kent vs. Victorville Kent vs. Sterling Heights