Cost of Living: Washington, DC vs Kent, WA (2026)

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Washington is 18% more expensive than Kent.

$1,900/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↓ 4%
$106,287/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↓ 15%
$724,600 ↑ 35%
Home Value
$537,500 ↓ 26%
$2,103/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↓ 9%
672,079
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.56%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $67/month cheaper in Kent, saving renters about $804/year.

Median household income is $15,871/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $537,500 in Kent.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Kent residents a significant tax advantage over District of Columbia's 10.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs Kent — common questions

Is Washington or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kent is cheaper to live in with an index of 145 compared to 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and Kent?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $67/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Kent?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $15,871/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and Washington?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/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 Washington details → View Kent details →

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