Cost of Living: Virginia Beach, VA vs Kent, WA (2026)

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Virginia Beach is 19% cheaper than Kent.

$1,649/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↑ 11%
$90,685/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$90,416/yr ≈ Same
$366,300 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$537,500 ↑ 47%
$1,704/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↑ 12%
457,066
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $184/month cheaper in Virginia Beach, saving renters about $2,208/year.

Median household income is $269/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $537,500 in Kent.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Kent residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Kent — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Virginia Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Kent?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $184/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Kent?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $269/year higher in Virginia Beach.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Washington?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Virginia Beach or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/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 Virginia Beach details → View Kent details →

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