Shoreline, WA vs. Kent, WA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Considering a move to the Seattle suburbs of Shoreline or Kent? This cost of living comparison will help you decide which city best fits your lifestyle and budget in 2025. We’ll compare key factors like housing, utilities, groceries and more to determine the winner when it comes to affordability.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is typically the biggest expense in any monthly budget. Here’s how Shoreline and Kent stack up for common housing options:
| Housing Type | Shoreline | Kent |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $2,150 | $1,950 |
| Median 3BR Home Price | $850,000 | $750,000 |
🏆 Winner: Kent. Housing costs, both for renting and buying, tend to be more affordable in Kent compared to Shoreline. A household moving from Shoreline to Kent could potentially save $200+ per month on rent alone.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly comparable between the two cities, with the typical household spending around $200-250 per month on electricity, gas, water, and sewer. Expect higher heating bills in the winter months.
🏆 Winner: Tie. There are no major differences in utility and energy costs between Shoreline and Kent.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs are similar in both Shoreline and Kent, on par with the Seattle metro average. Expect to spend around $400-500 per month for a typical family. Eating out is also comparable, with a meal for two at a mid-range restaurant averaging $60-80 in either city.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Shoreline and Kent are neck and neck when it comes to costs for groceries, dining out, and everyday goods.
4. Taxes and Fees
Washington state has no income tax, so your take-home pay will go further than in many other states. However, sales tax is on the high end at 10.1% in Shoreline and 10.0% in Kent as of 2025.
Property taxes are also a factor for homeowners. The effective property tax rate is around 0.93% in Shoreline and 1.06% in Kent. For a home assessed at $800,000, that equates to annual property taxes of approximately $7,440 in Shoreline vs. $8,480 in Kent.
🏆 Winner: Shoreline. While the sales tax rate is nearly identical, Shoreline has a slight edge with lower property taxes for homeowners.
5. Cost of Living Summary
| Category | Shoreline | Kent |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (Rent for 2BR) | $2,150 | $1,950 |
| Utilities | $225 | $225 |
| Groceries | $450 | $450 |
| Transportation | $100 | $125 |
| Taxes (based on $80k income) | $620 | $640 |
| Miscellaneous | $500 | $500 |
| Estimated Monthly Total (pre-tax) | $4,045 | $3,890 |
Based on these estimates, the total monthly cost of living is around $155 cheaper in Kent compared to Shoreline, largely due to lower housing costs. Of course, your actual budget will depend on your unique lifestyle and spending habits. For a more personalized look, check out these sample monthly budgets for Shoreline in 2025.
6. Lifestyle Fit
While Kent may be more affordable overall, Shoreline offers some compelling lifestyle advantages:
- Shoreline is located just north of Seattle, with quicker access to the big city amenities and job centers.
- Shoreline has highly-rated public schools, making it popular with families.
- Kent’s location further south means hotter summers. Kent averages 5°F warmer than Shoreline in July and August.
Ultimately, the right city for you depends on your personal preferences and priorities. For a full overview of the cost of living in Shoreline, check out our monthly budget guide for 2025.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shoreline more affordable than Kent?
No, Kent is generally more affordable than Shoreline, especially when it comes to housing costs. However, the difference in overall cost of living is relatively small.
Which city has lower rent prices?
Kent has lower rent prices than Shoreline. As of 2025, the median rent for a 2-bedroom apartment is around $200 less per month in Kent.
Is it cheaper to buy a home in Shoreline or Kent?
Buying a home is typically cheaper in Kent. In 2025, the median price for a 3-bedroom home is roughly $100,000 less in Kent compared to Shoreline.
8. Conclusion
Both Shoreline and Kent offer a high quality of life in the Seattle metro area, with Kent having a slight edge in affordability. Shoreline may be the better choice for those prioritizing proximity to Seattle and top-notch schools, while Kent offers more bang for your buck in terms of housing and a bit more breathing room from the big city.
Considering other cities in the region? Be sure to check out our other cost of living comparisons for popular destinations in Washington state.