Median rent is 33% lower in Columbus ($1,224/mo vs $1,833/mo). Buying is cheaper in Columbus, where the median home runs $234,500 versus $537,500. Households earn more in Kent ($90,416 vs $65,327 a year). Taken together, Columbus is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 94.1 against 94.1 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Kent, WA.
City A
Columbus, OH
City B
Kent, WA
How much would you need to earn in Kent, WA to maintain your standard of living from Columbus, OH?
Equivalent salary in Kent, WA
$75,009
You'd need $9 more (0% higher).
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
Columbus
Ohio
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 Columbus — median rent of $1,224/mo versus $1,833/mo in Kent, a 33% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Kent: the median home is $537,500 versus $234,500 in Columbus — 56% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Washington has no state income tax, while Ohio tops out at 3.50% — giving Kent a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 5.75% in Ohio and 6.50% in Washington; Columbus has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Columbus
Income tax: 3.50%
Sales tax: 5.75%
Kent
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.50%
Air quality data is available for Columbus (avg AQI 12.0) but not yet for Kent.
Pick Kent if you prioritize higher median household income ($90,416/yr).
Pick Columbus if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,224/mo median).
Pick Kent if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Columbus cheaper than Kent?
Columbus is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 94.1 versus 94.1 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Columbus.
How much is rent in Columbus vs Kent?
Median rent is $1,224/mo in Columbus, OH and $1,833/mo in Kent, WA. Columbus, OH has the lower rent by about 33%.
Which has higher salaries — Columbus or Kent?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus, OH 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 — Columbus or Kent?
Washington has no state income tax. Ohio has a top rate of 3.50%.
What salary do I need in Kent to match my Columbus income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Columbus, OH is equivalent to roughly $100,012 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