Median rent is 34% lower in Kentwood ($1,205/mo vs $1,833/mo). Buying is cheaper in Kentwood, where the median home runs $249,000 versus $537,500. Households earn more in Kent ($90,416 vs $73,647 a year). Overall, the two cities have a nearly identical cost of living index (94.1).
City A
Kent, WA
City B
Kentwood, MI
How much would you need to earn in Kentwood, MI to maintain your standard of living from Kent, WA?
Equivalent salary in Kentwood, MI
$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
Washington
Kentwood
Michigan
👥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 Kentwood — median rent of $1,205/mo versus $1,833/mo in Kent, a 34% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Kent: the median home is $537,500 versus $249,000 in Kentwood — 54% more expensive.
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Washington has no state income tax, while Michigan tops out at 4.25% — giving Kent a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.50% in Washington and 6.00% in Michigan; Kentwood has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Kent
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.50%
Kentwood
Income tax: 4.25%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Air quality data is not yet available for these cities.
Pick Kent if you prioritize higher median household income ($90,416/yr).
Pick Kentwood if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,205/mo median).
Pick Kent if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Kent cheaper than Kentwood?
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 Kentwood?
Median rent is $1,833/mo in Kent, WA and $1,205/mo in Kentwood, MI. Kentwood, MI has the lower rent by about 34%.
Which has higher salaries — Kent or Kentwood?
Median household income is $90,416 in Kent, WA and $73,647 in Kentwood, MI. 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 Kentwood?
Washington has no state income tax. Michigan has a top rate of 4.25%.
What salary do I need in Kentwood to match my Kent income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Kent, WA is equivalent to roughly $100,000 in Kentwood, MI (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