A+
8%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
17%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Kent Ohio National
Cost of living9289100
Groceries9997100
Health care9496100
Housing8374100
Transportation9796100
Utilities9396100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9995100
Household Items9697100
Education & Childcare9293100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Kent, OH

Knowing the cost of living in Kent allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Kent stands at 92, marking it 8% lower than the national average.

In Kent, daily expenses such as food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care are in line with comparable areas and about average when compared to all cities across the nation. This ensures that the cost of living in Kent will resemble that of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

Is Kent Affordable?

Wondering if Kent is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Kent, for example, the median home price is 16.3% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 18.4% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Kent boasting a median household income of $54,430, which is 33.1% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Kent?

Subsidies: Some areas might offer government subsidies or assistance programs that help lower cost of living for residents. These programs can include anything from 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 crop subsidies. Areas that offer less subsidies, could see an increase in their cost of living.

Housing: When everyone's vying for homes in popular areas, it drives up property prices and rents, making the overall cost of living surge. On the flip side, in less sought-after locales, where housing demand is low, prices tend to dip, resulting in a more economical cost of living. In Kent, the housing index comes in at 16.9% lower than the national average.

Utilities: As with the prices of anything else, utility costs can exhibit significant variations, contingent on factors like climate, energy source availability, geographic location and state regulations. The expenses associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, either upward or downward, depending on the particular city or state. In Kent, the utilities index registers 7% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Kent cost of living data displayed above uses a U.S. average baseline of 100 to provide a practical way to compare living expenses across cities. Housing estimates incorporate U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are generated using AI-assisted models based on everyday expense expectations, regional pricing trends, climate, transportation patterns, and local economic conditions. These values are designed for directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Kent is 3% higher than 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

See all the best places to live around Kent

Compare Kent, OH Cost of Living

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      Utilities index
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      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$121,120$10,093$2,826$3,634
      Renters$31,547$2,629$736$947
      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 $121,120. Using that number, a maximum of $2,826 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $31,547, which means there is a maximum of $736 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%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Sawyerwood, OH1,6457921.4%
      Limaville, OH2188416.2%
      Akron, OH203,0428317.0%
      Barberton, OH26,8448316.7%
      Ravenna, OH11,6858613.8%
      Kent, OH30,369927.7%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Desert Hot Springs, CA30,37411514.6%
      Central, LA30,3531076.9%
      Canton, GA30,4251099.0%
      Norwood, MA30,30114848.3%
      Pasadena, MD30,44512929.0%
      Kent, OH30,369927.7%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.