Lynnwood, WA vs. Kent, WA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Considering a move to the Seattle suburbs? Housing costs in Lynnwood average $400 less per month than in Kent for a comparable 2-bedroom apartment. This cost of living comparison of Lynnwood vs Kent is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life expenses of these two cities in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
The median rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Lynnwood is $1,850 per month, while in Kent it’s $2,250. Buying a home is also more affordable in Lynnwood, with the median price for a 3-bedroom house at $550,000 compared to $625,000 in Kent.
| Housing Type | Lynnwood | Kent |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Rent) | $1,850 | $2,250 |
| 3BR House (Buy) | $550,000 | $625,000 |
🏆 Winner: Lynnwood
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills in Lynnwood and Kent are fairly similar, averaging $180-$220 per month for a 2-bedroom apartment. Both cities experience mild summers and cool, wet winters. Costs may be slightly higher in Kent due to its location further from the coast. Check for off-peak savings plans from Puget Sound Energy.
🏆 Winner: Lynnwood
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs are comparable between the two cities, with Lynnwood coming in about 5% cheaper on average. A gallon of milk is $3.50 in Lynnwood vs $3.75 in Kent. Eating out is also more affordable in Lynnwood, with a meal for two at a mid-range restaurant averaging $60 compared to $70 in Kent.
🏆 Winner: Lynnwood
4. Taxes and Fees
Property tax rates are 0.93% in Lynnwood and 1.06% in Kent. For a $500,000 home, that’s a difference of $650 per year. HOA fees tend to be higher in Kent, often including community amenities, while in Lynnwood they more commonly just cover basic landscaping and trash collection.
🏆 Winner: Lynnwood
5. Cost Summary Table
| Category | Lynnwood | Kent |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (2BR Rent) | $1,850 | $2,250 |
| Utilities | $200 | $220 |
| Groceries | $400 | $420 |
| Transportation | $100 | $80 |
| Taxes (Property) | 0.93% | 1.06% |
| Misc Expenses | $250 | $250 |
| Estimated Monthly Total* | $2,800 | $3,220 |
*Based on a 2BR apartment. See our Sample Monthly Budgets for Lynnwood in 2025 for more details.
6. Lifestyle Fit
Lynnwood offers more affordable housing and living costs overall, but Kent boasts more spacious homes and lots. Kent is also more walkable, with a cute downtown core, while Lynnwood is more car-dependent. Both provide reasonable commutes to major employers like Amazon and Microsoft. Lynnwood averages 2°F cooler than Kent in the summer months.
7. FAQ
Q: Is Lynnwood more affordable than Kent?
A: Yes, Lynnwood has lower costs for housing, groceries, and taxes compared to Kent, WA.
Q: Which city has lower rent?
A: Lynnwood has lower rental prices, with a typical 2-bedroom apartment costing $400 less per month than in Kent.
Q: Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
A: Median home prices in Lynnwood are about $75,000 less than in Kent for a comparable 3-bedroom house.
8. Conclusion
While both Lynnwood and Kent provide a high quality of life, Lynnwood comes out ahead for cost of living in most categories. Lynnwood is ideal for young professionals and small families looking to save on housing and daily expenses. Kent may appeal more to those who value a walkable downtown and don’t mind paying a bit more for a spacious home. Be sure to check out our full Cost of Living in Lynnwood guide for more details as you budget for your move.