Cost of Living in Kent, WA

With a cost of living index of 139, Kent, WA is a notably expensive place to live. Living here is 39% more expensive than the national average and 20% above the Washington state average of 119. As a major city with a population of 135,015, Kent offers a wide range of housing options, employment opportunities, and urban amenities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Kent's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,833 (39% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $537,500 (76% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 5.9x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in Kent is $90,416, which is 20% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 24% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. While incomes are above average, they do not fully offset the higher cost of living.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Kent. The area sees an average annual temperature of 53.7°F, with summers averaging 66°F and winters around 43°F. Annual rainfall totals 39.3 inches spread over roughly 156 days.

Everyday prices in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area tend to run above the national average. Out of 6 common grocery and utility items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 5 are priced higher than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.