A+
8%
Overall NAT. AVG.
8%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
17%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Kent Ohio National
Cost of living9292100
Goods & Services92100100
Groceries101101100
Health care9598100
Housing8373100
Transportation98100100
Utilities10399100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Kent, OH

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Kent? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Kent stands at 92, making it 8% lower than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

Everyday expenditures like food, housing, goods and services, transportation and health care in Kent are priced in a manner consistent with other areas. This means that residents of Kent can anticipate their daily expenses remaining reasonably similar to those in an average city, thereby supporting a manageable cost of living.

Is Kent Affordable?

Is Kent affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Kent, the median home price is 16.4% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 16.9% lower than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Kent boasting a median household income of $36,809, 33.5% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Kent?

Taxes: Cities that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an escalated cost of living. The added expense of taxes on everyday goods like clothing and food naturally results in higher overall costs. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can further elevate the cost of living. In Kent, the general sales tax rate starts at 5.75%, and income tax rates begin at 0%.

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can undergo substantial fluctuations based on the city or state of residence. Elements such as the availability of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket costs for medical consultations, dental expenses, prescription medication charges and specialized medical care fees all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Kent, healthcare costs are 4.8% lower than the national average.

Subsidies: Some cities and states may extend government subsidies or aid programs aimed at reducing the cost of living for their residents. These initiatives encompass diverse forms of support, including Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farm subsidies. Regions with limited subsidy provisions may witness an increase in their overall cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living in Kent, presented above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index, offering a practical method for assessing living cost disparities in urban areas. Published quarterly, this index compiles data from more than 300 independent researchers, encompassing over 60 goods and services in 6 categories. The weightings assigned to cost variances are informed by government survey data tracking the expenditure patterns of professional and executive households. It should be noted that the C2ER index does not include data on sales or income tax rates, however, AreaVibes incorporates tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each area.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Kent is equal to the Ohio average
  • The cost of living in Kent is 8% lower than the national average
  • Kent housing is 17% lower than the national average
  • Ohio general sales tax is 13% higher than the national average
  • Ohio state income tax is 6% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Kent

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Compare Kent, OH Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$81,619$6,802$1,904$2,449
      Renters$21,582$1,799$504$648
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Kent, OH, as well as what the overall cost of living might be. Generally, a good rule to follow is that the debt-to-income (DTI) level you want to maintain is 28 percent or less of your income on your rent or mortgage payments and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses and debts. In Kent, homeowners have a median income of $81,619. Using that number, a maximum of $1,904 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $21,582, which means there is a maximum of $504 to be spent on the costs of renting a home or apartment.

      Ohio Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Ohio 5.75% 8%

      Ohio Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Ohio 2.76% 3.99%

      Goods & Services

      Item Kent National avg. Difference
      Haircut $23.67$24.262.5%
      Beauty Salon $35.31$45.5622.5%
      Toothpaste $3.68$3.700.5%
      Shampoo $1.45$1.2813.0%
      Movie $11.60$12.134.4%
      Bowling $18.27$18.001.5%

      Groceries

      Item Kent National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $5.46$5.846.5%
      Fried Chicken $1.39$1.5711.4%
      Milk $4.57$4.672.3%
      Potatoes $5.38$4.939.1%
      Pizza $9.98$12.0917.4%
      Beer $10.51$10.411.0%

      Health Care

      Item Kent National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $103.58$125.6817.6%
      Doctor $119.67$135.7811.9%
      Dentist $109.73$113.293.1%
      Ibuprofen $10.73$10.650.7%
      Lipitor $503.65$468.607.5%

      Housing

      Item Kent National avg. Difference
      Home Price $154,400.00$184,700.0016.4%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $1,788.16$2,346.6923.8%
      Apartment Rent $789.00$949.0016.9%

      Transportation

      Item Kent National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.41$3.461.4%
      Tire Balancing $57.76$59.923.6%

      Utilities

      Item Kent National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $205.88$193.996.1%
      Phone $186.78$192.252.8%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Sawyerwood, OH1,6048020.0%
      Limaville, OH2108416.3%
      Akron, OH197,3758415.6%
      Barberton, OH26,0308515.5%
      Marlboro, OH2968614.3%
      Kent, OH29,698927.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Leamington, ON29,703n/a 
      Rahway, NJ29,69111817.9%
      Westfield, NJ29,69018079.6%
      Middle River, MD29,6651087.8%
      Parkersburg, WV29,7328415.9%
      Kent, OH29,698927.6%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.