Kent, WA vs Tacoma, WA

Tacoma is moderately more affordable than Kent, with a 11.1% lower cost of living index. Kent scores 139 compared to 125 for Tacoma, 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 $1,833/month compared to $1,597/month in Tacoma — a 15% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Tacoma is more affordable at $454,600 median vs $537,500.

Median household income in Kent is $90,416 compared to $83,857 in Tacoma (+7.8%). The higher salaries in Kent partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Kent spend roughly 24.3% of their income on rent, more than the 22.9% in Tacoma.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (53.7°F vs 51.9°F). Tacoma receives more rainfall at 42" per year compared to 39.3" in Kent.