Kent, OH vs Reading, OH

Reading is moderately more affordable than Kent, with a 6.9% lower cost of living index. Kent scores 80 compared to 74 for Reading, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Kent can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Kent is $983/month compared to $871/month in Reading — a 13% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Reading is more affordable at $184,200 median vs $210,700.

Median household income in Kent is $42,524 compared to $60,167 in Reading (-29.3%). Reading offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Kent spend roughly 27.7% of their income on rent, more than the 17.4% in Reading.