Median rent is 10% lower in Austin ($1,655/mo vs $1,833/mo). Buying is cheaper in Austin, where the median home runs $512,700 versus $537,500. Households earn more in Austin ($91,461 vs $90,416 a year). Taken together, Kent is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 94.1 against 98.8 — about 5% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Kent, WA.
Quick verdict
Kent is 5% cheaper overall
Cost index: 94.1 in Kent vs 98.8 in Austin (US average = 100)
City A
Austin, TX
City B
Kent, WA
How much would you need to earn in Kent, WA to maintain your standard of living from Austin, TX?
Equivalent salary in Kent, WA
$71,428
You could earn $3,572 less (5% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Austin
Texas
Kent
Washington
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rent is modestly lower in Austin at $1,655/mo compared to $1,833/mo in Kent (10% gap). Median home values are within 5% of each other: $512,700 in Austin and $537,500 in Kent.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Both Texas and Washington have no state income tax — a notable advantage for workers in both cities. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 6.50% in Washington; Austin has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Austin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Kent
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.50%
Air quality data is available for Austin (avg AQI 47.0) but not yet for Kent.
Pick Kent if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 94.1 vs 98.8).
Is Austin cheaper than Kent?
Kent is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 94.1 versus 98.8 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 5% lower in Kent.
How much is rent in Austin vs Kent?
Median rent is $1,655/mo in Austin, TX and $1,833/mo in Kent, WA. Austin, TX has the lower rent by about 10%.
Which has higher salaries — Austin or Kent?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin, TX and $90,416 in Kent, WA. Austin, TX has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Austin or Kent?
Both Texas and Washington have no state income tax.
What salary do I need in Kent to match my Austin income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Austin, TX is equivalent to roughly $95,237 in Kent, WA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology