Cost of Living in Kent, OH
Population 27,190 · Ohio · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Kent's median household income of $42,524 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (25% here). At 10.4%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Located 10 miles northeast of Akron, Kent falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 89% higher than Akron's $111,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Kent
The median home value in Kent is $210,700 — 31% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $983/month, 25% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $42,524/year is 43% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 10.4%, above the national average of 4.8%. Ohio's top state income tax rate is 3.8% and the combined sales tax is 7.2%. The climate averages highs of 62.1°F and lows of 42.5°F. Overall, Kent has a cost of living index of 71 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 29% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 37 | 40 | 49 | 62 | 73 | 81 | 85 | 84 | 77 | 65 | 52 | 41 |
| Low °F | 21 | 22 | 30 | 40 | 51 | 60 | 64 | 62 | 55 | 44 | 35 | 27 |
| Precip" | 1.83 | 1.45 | 2.48 | 2.83 | 3.56 | 3.67 | 3.65 | 3.00 | 3.18 | 2.53 | 2.32 | 2.01 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Kent, OH?
Kent has a cost index of 71 (100 = national average). It is 29% below the national average.
What is average rent in Kent, OH?
The median gross rent in Kent is $983 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Kent?
The median home value in Kent is $210,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Kent?
The median household income in Kent is $42,524 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Kent, OH?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Kent is 7.2%. The Ohio state income tax top rate is 3.8%.
Is Kent, OH affordable?
Yes, Kent is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 71 — about 29% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Kent?
Kent has average high temperatures of 62.1°F and average lows of 42.5°F. Annual precipitation is 32.5". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Kent at a Glance
- Population
- 27,190
- Median Income
- $42,524
- Home Value
- $210,700
- Median Rent
- $983/mo
- Unemployment
- 10.4%
- Avg High Temp
- 62.1°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.2%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
Ohio Rankings
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