According to a new study by the University of Washington and the Center for Women’s Welfare, Kent County has become more expensive. Kent, along with Queen Anne’s, showed some of the state’s highest increases in expenses for families to cover just essential costs of living, including basics like rent, food, and utilities. The Self-Sufficiency Standard for Maryland 2012 sponsored by the Maryland Community Action Partnership, shows significant increases in costs related to housing and daycare in particular.