Kent, WA vs. Renton, WA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Deciding between the Seattle suburbs of Kent and Renton? This cost of living face-off will help you determine which city fits your budget and lifestyle. We’ll compare key expenses like housing, utilities, groceries and more to see which location comes out on top in 2025.
Housing Costs: Kent vs Renton
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how typical rent and home prices stack up in Kent and Renton:
| Housing Type | Kent | Renton |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,850 | $2,100 |
| Median 3BR Home Price | $550,000 | $625,000 |
🏆 Winner: Kent. Expect to pay about 12% less in rent and mortgage costs compared to Renton.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills are another important consideration. In Kent, the average monthly expenses for electricity, gas, water and trash come to around $180 for a 2BR apartment. Renton utility costs are similar, averaging $190/month.
Both cities have relatively mild climates, so summer and winter utility usage doesn’t vary drastically. Puget Sound Energy offers off-peak pricing plans that can help save on electricity bills.
🏆 Winner: Kent, but only by a slight margin. Utility costs are comparable between the two cities.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
For groceries and everyday items, prices are fairly consistent across the Seattle metro. A gallon of milk runs about $3.60 in both Kent and Renton, while a loaf of bread averages $3.20.
Eating out costs a bit more in Renton. A meal for two at a mid-range restaurant averages $70, compared to $60 in Kent. But with plenty of affordable dining options in both cities, you can find deals if you look around.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Grocery and daily living costs are neck and neck between Kent and Renton.
Taxes and Fees
Property taxes are slightly higher in Renton, with an average rate of 1.06% compared to 0.98% in Kent. For a $500K home, that’s a difference of about $400 per year.
Both cities charge around $20/month for water, sewer and garbage service. HOA fees vary widely, but tend to fall in the $200-400/month range for most developments. In Kent, HOA dues often include community amenities and landscaping.
🏆 Winner: Kent. Lower property tax rates give Kent a slight edge in this category.
Kent vs Renton Cost of Living Summary
| Expense Category | Kent | Renton |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (2BR Rent) | $1,850 | $2,100 |
| Utilities | $180 | $190 |
| Groceries | $400 | $400 |
| Transportation | $80 | $60 |
| Taxes (1.5% of Home Value) | $490 | $530 |
| Miscellaneous | $500 | $550 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $3,500 | $3,830 |
Note: All income and expense figures are expressed as gross monthly amounts (pre-tax).
Lifestyle Fit: Kent or Renton?
While Kent comes out slightly ahead on overall costs, there are other factors to weigh. Renton offers more public transit options and a shorter commute to Seattle and Bellevue. Kent provides more affordable housing and room to spread out.
Renton averages about 2°F warmer than Kent year-round due to its proximity to Lake Washington. Both cities get around 40 inches of rain per year.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your priorities. Young professionals may prefer Renton’s lively downtown and easy airport access. Growing families might favor Kent’s lower housing costs and suburban feel. Weigh the tradeoffs to find your ideal fit.
Kent vs Renton Cost of Living FAQ
Is Kent more affordable than Renton?
Yes, the cost of living in Kent is about 8% lower than Renton on average, mainly due to cheaper housing.
Which city has lower rent prices?
Typical rent in Kent is around 12% less than in Renton. You can save roughly $250/month on a 2BR apartment in Kent.
Is it cheaper to buy a house in Kent or Renton?
Home prices are more affordable in Kent. The median price for a 3BR house is about $550,000 in Kent, compared to $625,000 in Renton.
For a deeper dive, check out our full cost of living in Kent breakdown to see what you’ll really spend in 2025.
The Bottom Line
While Kent has a slight cost advantage overall, both cities offer a high quality of life for a reasonable price compared to Seattle proper. Budget-conscious households may find their dollars stretch further in Kent, while those prioritizing location and amenities might prefer Renton.
Wherever you land, be sure to tally up all the costs and tradeoffs to make a fully informed choice. And if you’re considering other cities in the region, our cost of living comparisons for Washington can help you find the perfect fit for your finances.