Kent is considered moderately affordable in 2025, with average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment around $1,800 per month and grocery costs slightly below the national average.
Imagine you’ve just moved to Kent, Washington in 2025. As you settle into your new 2-bedroom apartment, the first of the month rolls around and reality sets in—it’s time to pay the bills. Let’s take a closer look at what it really costs to live comfortably in this Seattle suburb.
Housing Costs in Kent
Housing is typically the biggest expense for Kent residents. In 2025, you can expect to pay around $1,600 to $2,000 per month for a 2-bedroom apartment rental, depending on the neighborhood and amenities. Newer complexes in the coveted Kent Valley area tend to be on the higher end.
If you’re looking to purchase a home, a modest 3-bedroom house in Kent ranges from $450,000 to $600,000. Keep in mind that many neighborhoods have HOA fees, which can add $200 to $400 to your monthly housing costs.
Here’s a quick comparison of typical housing costs in Kent:
| Housing Type | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| 2-bedroom apartment rental | $1,600 – $2,000 |
| 3-bedroom house (mortgage) | $2,500 – $3,300 |
| HOA fees | $200 – $400 |
Utility Costs
Basic utilities in Kent, including electricity, natural gas, water, and garbage, typically run $250 to $350 per month for a 2-bedroom apartment. Expect to pay on the higher end during the colder months when heating costs rise.
Here’s a ballpark estimate of monthly utility costs:
- Electricity: $80 – $120
- Natural gas: $60 – $80
- Water/sewer/garbage: $110 – $150
Groceries & Dining Out
A single person in Kent spends around $300 to $400 per month on groceries, while a family of four averages $900 to $1,200. This covers basics like milk ($3.50/gallon), bread ($3/loaf), and eggs ($2.50/dozen).
Dining out adds up quickly. Expect to pay $12 to $15 for a basic meal at a casual restaurant, or $30+ per person at a nicer establishment. Grabbing a quick bite or coffee runs about $8 to $10.
Transportation & Commuting Costs
Many Kent residents commute to Seattle for work. Gas prices hover around $3.80/gallon, so a typical 30-mile round trip commute costs about $120/month in fuel alone. Add in parking ($200+/month in the city), tolls, and vehicle maintenance, and transportation costs can easily exceed $500/month.
Public transit, like the Sounder train or Metro buses, offers a more affordable option at around $100 to $150 per month for an unlimited pass. However, it’s a longer commute.
Taxes in Kent
Washington has no state income tax, but Kent residents pay a sales tax of 10.1% on most purchases. Property taxes are around 1.1% of a home’s assessed value annually, which adds up to $400+ per month for the median home price.
Sample Monthly Budget for Kent
| Expense | Single Person | Couple | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (rental) | $1,600 | $1,800 | $2,500 |
| Utilities | $250 | $300 | $450 |
| Groceries | $350 | $700 | $1,100 |
| Transportation | $150 | $300 | $500 |
| Dining Out | $250 | $400 | $600 |
| Misc Expenses | $400 | $600 | $800 |
| Monthly Total | $3,000 | $4,100 | $5,950 |
| Gross Annual Income Required | $43,000 | $59,000 | $86,000 |
Keep in mind these are approximate pre-tax figures. With smart budgeting, it’s possible to live comfortably in Kent on a moderate household income of $59,000 to $86,000 per year, depending on your family size and lifestyle.
Lifestyle Considerations
While Kent offers more affordable living compared to Seattle proper, it comes with tradeoffs. You’ll likely have a longer commute and smaller living space. However, many feel the lower housing costs and access to Kent’s parks, trails, and family-friendly neighborhoods are worth it.
Newer housing developments on the east hill tend to come with higher price tags and HOA fees, but also offer more space and amenities. Older homes in the valley are more affordable, but may require extra maintenance costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much do I need to earn to live comfortably in Kent?
A: A gross annual income of around $59,000 allows a couple to cover typical expenses in Kent, while a family of four will need closer to $86,000.
Q: Is it cheaper to buy or rent in Kent?
A: It depends on your situation, but with Kent’s competitive housing market, renting is often more affordable than buying—especially in the short term.
Q: How does the cost of living in Kent compare to Seattle?
A: Kent is notably more affordable than Seattle, with housing costs around 30% lower on average. However, expect a longer commute if you work in the city.
Q: Are utilities expensive in Kent?
A: Utility costs in Kent are fairly typical for the region, averaging $250 to $450 per month depending on your household size and energy usage.
Q: Does Kent have high taxes?
A: While Washington has no income tax, Kent has a sales tax of 10.1% and property taxes around 1.1% of home value. Factor these into your budget.
Q: What’s the best way to save money living in Kent?
A: Choosing a smaller rental, cooking at home vs. dining out, and using public transit instead of driving can all help trim your monthly expenses.
The cost of living in Kent requires careful budgeting, but with proper planning, it’s possible to enjoy a high quality of life in this growing Seattle suburb. Consider your priorities and lifestyle needs as you crunch the numbers and build your monthly budget.