Auburn, WA vs Kent, WA

Auburn, WA and Kent, WA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 4.2% difference in their overall index. Auburn scores 133 while Kent scores 139 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Auburn is $1,713/month compared to $1,833/month in Kent — a 7% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Auburn is more affordable at $510,400 median vs $537,500.

Median household income in Auburn is $95,367 compared to $90,416 in Kent (+5.5%). Auburn offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Auburn spend roughly 21.6% of their income on rent, less than the 24.3% in Kent.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (53.7°F vs 53.7°F). Kent receives more rainfall at 39.3" per year compared to 39.3" in Auburn.