Median rent is 46% lower in Kent ($983/mo vs $1,833/mo). Buying is cheaper in Kent, where the median home runs $210,700 versus $537,500. Households earn more in Kent ($90,416 vs $42,524 a year). Overall, the two cities have a nearly identical cost of living index (94.1).
City A
Kent, OH
City B
Kent, WA
How much would you need to earn in Kent, WA to maintain your standard of living from Kent, OH?
Equivalent salary in Kent, WA
$75,000
Costs are about the same in both cities.
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
Kent
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 Kent — median rent of $983/mo versus $1,833/mo in Kent, a 46% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Kent: the median home is $537,500 versus $210,700 in Kent — 61% more expensive.
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; Kent has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Kent
Income tax: 3.50%
Sales tax: 5.75%
Kent
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.50%
Air quality data is not yet available for these cities.
Pick Kent if you prioritize higher median household income ($90,416/yr).
Pick Kent if you prioritize cheaper rent ($983/mo median).
Pick Kent if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Kent cheaper than Kent?
Kent 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 Kent.
How much is rent in Kent vs Kent?
Median rent is $983/mo in Kent, OH and $1,833/mo in Kent, WA. Kent, OH has the lower rent by about 46%.
Which has higher salaries — Kent or Kent?
Median household income is $42,524 in Kent, 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 — Kent 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 Kent income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Kent, OH is equivalent to roughly $100,000 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