The cost of living in Kent, WA is relatively high. According to livingcost.org, the average cost of living in Kent is $2150, which is in the top 5% of the most expensive cities in the world, ranked 423rd out of 9294 in their global list. The cost of living index in Kent is 137.2, with housing being the most expensive category at 187.2. According to Payscale, Kent, Washington’s cost of living is 16% higher than the national average. Numbeo reports that the cost of living in Kent includes a loaf of fresh white bread for $1.19, rice for $2.35 per pound, eggs for $4.49 per dozen, and local cheese for $3.99 per pound.
The cost of living in Kent, WA is 12.3% higher than the national average². Some of the factors that affect the cost of living are:
- Housing: Kent’s housing expenses are 36% higher than the national average and the median home price is $614,697¹.
- Utilities: Kent’s utility prices are 12% lower than the national average and the average energy bill is $155.42 per month¹.
- Transportation: Kent’s transportation expenses are 5% higher than the national average and the average gas price is $3.58 per gallon¹.
- Food: Kent’s grocery prices are 14% higher than the national average and a loaf of bread costs $4.40¹.
- Healthcare: Kent’s healthcare costs are 25% higher than the national average and a doctor’s visit costs $156.51¹.
You can also use a cost of living calculator to compare Kent with other cities and see how your individual needs will affect your expenses².
How does the cost of living in Kent compare to nearby cities in Washington?
The cost of living in Kent, WA is generally higher than nearby cities in Washington. According to BestPlaces, the cost of living in Seattle, WA is 29.1% higher than in Kent, WA. The 2023 Cost of Living Calculator on BestPlaces also shows that Seattle, Washington is 22.3% more expensive than Kent, Washington. Payscale reports that Kent, Washington’s cost of living is 16% higher than the national average. Livingcost.org ranks Kent as the 423rd most expensive city in the world, with an average cost of living of $2150. The cost of housing in Kent is 36% higher than the national average, while utility prices are 12% lower than the national average.
The comparison of the cost of living in Kent, WA to other nearby cities and similar cities:
| City | Cost of Living Index (100 = US average) |
|---|---|
| Kent, WA | 104.8 |
| Auburn, WA | 103.7 |
| Renton, WA | 102.5 |
| Federal Way, WA | 102.2 |
| Tacoma, WA | 101.8 |
| Seattle, WA | 127.4 |
| Portland, OR | 123.0 |
| Vancouver, WA | 105.2 |
| Olympia, WA | 97.0 |
As you can see, the cost of living in Kent, WA is slightly higher than the national average. However, it is lower than some of the other major cities in the state, such as Seattle and Portland.
Here is a breakdown of the cost of living in Kent, WA in comparison to other nearby cities and similar cities:
| Category | Kent, WA | Auburn, WA | Renton, WA | Federal Way, WA | Tacoma, WA | Seattle, WA | Portland, OR | Vancouver, WA | Olympia, WA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 106.5 | 104.8 | 103.5 | 102.7 | 102.2 | 128.7 | 123.0 | 106.2 | 96.3 |
| Utilities | 100.5 | 100.4 | 100.4 | 100.5 | 100.4 | 101.1 | 100.9 | 100.6 | 99.9 |
| Transportation | 104.9 | 104.7 | 104.7 | 104.7 | 104.6 | 106.9 | 106.3 | 105.0 | 102.7 |
| Groceries | 101.2 | 100.9 | 100.9 | 100.9 | 100.9 | 102.0 | 101.6 | 101.3 | 99.6 |
| Health | 101.6 | 101.3 | 101.3 | 101.3 | 101.3 | 102.5 | 102.1 | 101.7 | 99.9 |
| Miscellaneous | 102.7 | 102.4 | 102.4 | 102.4 | 102.4 | 104.4 | 103.9 | 103.5 | 101.1 |
As you can see, the cost of housing is the highest category in Kent, WA. This is followed by transportation, utilities, and groceries. The cost of health and miscellaneous items is lower than the national average.
Overall, the cost of living in Kent, WA is slightly higher than the national average. However, it is lower than some of the other major cities in the state, such as Seattle and Portland.
Sources:
(1) Cost of Living in Kent, Washington – Salary.com. https://www.salary.com/research/cost-of-living/kent-wa.
(2) Cost of Living in Kent, WA | PayScale. https://www.payscale.com/cost-of-living-calculator/Washington-Kent.
(3) Cost of Living in Kent, Washington – Sperling’s BestPlaces. https://www.bestplaces.net/cost_of_living/city/washington/kent.