Moving from Boulder, CO to Renton, WA
Relocating 1291 mi from Boulder to Renton is a 22h 28m drive through 6 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1291 mi Β· 22h 28m by car Β· CO β WY β UT β ID β OR β WA
Distance & route
| Route through | CO β WY β UT β ID β OR β WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 84, I 80, US 97 |
| Major cities en route | Denver, Lakewood, Arvada, Westminster, Thornton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Boulder | Renton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.202 | 111.133 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.741 | 92.814 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.052 | 103.972 | 100.0 |
| Services | 157.02 | 151.314 | 100.0 |
Renton runs about 5.6% more expensive overall than Boulder β RPP 105.202 β 111.133.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $964,531 in Boulder to $764,375 in Renton, a 5.6% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Boulder -2.0%, Renton -2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Boulder | Renton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 37Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 77Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 92.8" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 21.2" | 34.7" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 51.5Β°F vs 53.6Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: BOULDER, CO US, RENTON MUNI AP, WA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Boulder | Renton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 106,274 | 105,279 |
| Median household income | $85,364 | $96,626 |
| Median age | 28.8 | 36.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 36.9% | 25.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.55 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 5.6% higher in Renton than Boulder.
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 Colorado 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
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April β check CDOT alerts before departure.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
- 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
When is the best time to move from Boulder to Renton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1291 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Renton, WA from Boulder, CO?
The driving distance is 1291 mi and the route typically takes 22h 28m via I 84 and I 80. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Renton compared to Boulder?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $764,375 in Renton vs $964,531 in Boulder β a 20.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Renton compare to Boulder?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,260 in the Renton MSA vs $64,750 in the Boulder MSA, on total employment of 2,079,090 and 194,440 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Renton more expensive than Boulder?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Renton is 5.6% higher than Boulder (111.133 vs 105.202, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Boulder vs Renton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $96,626 in Renton vs $85,364 in Boulder β a 13.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Boulder.
City profiles: Boulder, CO Β· Renton, WA.