Auburn, WA vs. Kent, WA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Which Seattle suburb wins on cost in 2025: Auburn or Kent? This article provides a detailed cost of living comparison to help families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life monthly expenses of living in Auburn vs Kent. All income figures are expressed in gross monthly income (pre-tax) for clarity.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how typical rent and mortgage prices compare in Auburn and Kent:
| Housing Type | Auburn | Kent |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,850 | $2,100 |
| Median 3BR House Price | $550,000 | $600,000 |
🏆 Winner: Auburn. A household moving from Kent to Auburn might save $400/month on housing alone.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills are fairly similar between the two cities. Expect to pay around $200-250/month for electricity, water, gas, and waste services for a 2BR apartment in either Auburn or Kent.
Both cities experience mild summers and cool, wet winters. Winter heating bills may be slightly higher in Auburn. Kent residents can take advantage of Puget Sound Energy’s Time of Day rate plans to save on off-peak electricity.
🏆 Winner: Kent, but only by a small margin. Utilities won’t be a major factor in choosing between the two.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Average monthly expenses in Auburn for groceries, dining out, and everyday goods are about 5% lower than in Kent. Budget around $500/month for groceries for a family of 2 in Auburn compared to $525 in Kent.
🏆 Winner: Auburn. The savings add up over time, even if it’s just $20-30/month.
4. Taxes and Fees
Washington has no state income tax, so your take-home pay will be the same in either city. Sales tax is 10.1% in Auburn and 10.0% in Kent.
Property taxes are slightly higher in Kent at 1.06% vs 0.99% in Auburn. For a $600K home, that’s a difference of $420/year. HOA fees are common in both cities, typically ranging from $200-400/month.
🏆 Winner: Auburn. Lower property taxes and slightly lower sales tax give it the edge.
5. Cost Summary
| Category | Auburn | Kent |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR) | $2,750 | $3,000 |
| Utilities | $275 | $250 |
| Groceries | $500 | $525 |
| Transportation | $150 | $125 |
| Taxes & Fees | $300 | $350 |
| Misc | $400 | $400 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $4,375 | $4,650 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
Cost isn’t the only factor in choosing between Auburn and Kent. Consider these lifestyle tradeoffs:
- Auburn offers more affordable housing and space for the money, but longer commutes to major job centers.
- Kent has more public transportation options, making it easier to get around without a car.
- Both cities have access to excellent outdoor recreation, with Auburn closer to Mount Rainier.
7. FAQ
Q: Is Auburn more affordable than Kent?
A: Yes, Auburn has a lower overall cost of living, primarily due to more affordable housing.
Q: Which city has lower rent?
A: Rents are about 10-15% lower in Auburn than in Kent for comparable apartments.
Q: Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
A: Home prices are lower in Auburn. Expect to pay $50-100K less for a similar house compared to Kent.
8. Conclusion
While both Auburn and Kent offer a high quality of life, Auburn comes out ahead on cost of living in 2025. It’s an excellent choice for families looking for affordable housing and more space, as long as they can manage a longer commute.
Kent may be worth the extra cost for those who value walkability and easy access to transit. Its central location is also appealing for two-career households.
Ultimately, the right choice depends on your lifestyle, budget, and priorities. Be sure to read our other cost of living breakdowns for more Washington cities to find your ideal fit!