Median rent is 25% lower in Chicago ($1,380/mo vs $1,833/mo). Buying is cheaper in Chicago, where the median home runs $315,200 versus $537,500. Households earn more in Kent ($90,416 vs $75,134 a year). Taken together, Kent is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 94.1 against 105.7 — about 11% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Kent, WA.
Quick verdict
Kent is 11% cheaper overall
Cost index: 94.1 in Kent vs 105.7 in Chicago (US average = 100)
City A
Chicago, IL
City B
Kent, WA
How much would you need to earn in Kent, WA to maintain your standard of living from Chicago, IL?
Equivalent salary in Kent, WA
$66,768
You could earn $8,232 less (11% 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
Chicago
Illinois
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
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Chicago — median rent of $1,380/mo versus $1,833/mo in Kent, a 25% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Kent: the median home is $537,500 versus $315,200 in Chicago — 41% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Washington has no state income tax, while Illinois tops out at 4.95% — giving Kent a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Illinois and 6.50% in Washington; Chicago has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Kent
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.50%
Air quality data is available for Chicago (avg AQI 21.0) but not yet for Kent.
Pick Kent if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 94.1 vs 105.7).
Pick Kent if you prioritize higher median household income ($90,416/yr).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,380/mo median).
Pick Kent if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Chicago cheaper than Kent?
Kent is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 94.1 versus 105.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 11% lower in Kent.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Kent?
Median rent is $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL and $1,833/mo in Kent, WA. Chicago, IL has the lower rent by about 25%.
Which has higher salaries — Chicago or Kent?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago, IL and $90,416 in Kent, WA. Kent, WA 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 — Chicago or Kent?
Washington has no state income tax. Illinois has a top rate of 4.95%.
What salary do I need in Kent to match my Chicago income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Chicago, IL is equivalent to roughly $89,024 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