Moving from Boise City, ID to Renton, WA
Relocating between Boise City, ID and Renton, WA is a 487 mi drive β 9h 6m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
487 mi Β· 9h 6m by car Β· ID β OR β WA
Distance & route
| Route through | ID β OR β WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 84, US 30, US 97 |
| Major cities en route | Meridian, Nampa, Bellevue, Everett, Seattle |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Boise City | Renton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.391 | 111.133 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 70.695 | 92.814 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.179 | 103.972 | 100.0 |
| Services | 105.58 | 151.314 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 13.0% above Boise City β 98.391 β 111.133 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
YoY change: Boise City β, Renton -2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Boise City | Renton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 26Β°F | 37Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 77Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 17.6" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 11.5" | 34.7" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: BOISE AIR TERMINAL, ID US, RENTON MUNI AP, WA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Boise City | Renton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 235,701 | 105,279 |
| Median household income | $81,308 | $96,626 |
| Median age | 38.2 | 36.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.2% | 25.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.37 | 2.55 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 13.0% higher in Renton than Boise City.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Renton MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 225,240 | $54,470 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 197,190 | $97,870 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 190,190 | $48,950 |
| Computer and Mathematical Occupations | 171,820 | $140,760 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 167,750 | $40,980 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Idaho and Washington
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Washington's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- Cascade passes on I-84 and OR-58 can require chains or close entirely during winter storms.
- Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and White Pass on US-12 see frequent chain requirements December through March β check WSDOT mountain passes report.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Wildfire season east of the Cascades peaks July through September; earthquake preparedness is standard west of the mountains.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Washington after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Renton more expensive than Boise City?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Renton is 13.0% higher than Boise City (111.133 vs 98.391, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Renton compare to Boise City?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,260 in the Renton MSA vs $45,320 in the Boise City MSA, on total employment of 2,079,090 and 372,470 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Renton, WA from Boise City, ID?
The driving distance is 487 mi and the route typically takes 9h 6m via I 84 and US 30. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Boise City vs Renton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $96,626 in Renton vs $81,308 in Boise City β a 18.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Boise City to Renton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 487 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Boise City.
City profiles: Boise City, ID Β· Renton, WA.