Moving from Eugene, OR to Kent, WA
The 272 mi from Eugene to Kent translate to about 5h 28m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
272 mi Β· 5h 28m by car Β· OR β WA
Distance & route
| Route through | OR β WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 5, WA 167, OR 126 |
| Major cities en route | Salem, Hillsboro, Gresham, Portland, Vancouver |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Eugene | Kent | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 101.568 | 111.133 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 102.531 | 92.814 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.261 | 103.972 | 100.0 |
| Services | 98.35 | 151.314 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 9.4% pricier overall in Kent than Eugene on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Kent typical home at $656,314 is 9.4% above Eugene at $473,231 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Eugene -0.3%, Kent -2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Eugene | Kent |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 35Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 78Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.8" | 40.1" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 53.1Β°F vs 53.8Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: EUGENE MAHLON SWEET AP, OR US, KENT, WA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Eugene | Kent |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 177,520 | 135,015 |
| Median household income | $63,836 | $90,416 |
| Median age | 35.4 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 23.7% | 21.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.33 | 2.89 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 9.4% between Eugene and Kent (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Kent 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 Oregon 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
- 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 Kent more expensive than Eugene?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Kent is 9.4% higher than Eugene (111.133 vs 101.568, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Kent, WA from Eugene, OR?
The driving distance is 272 mi and the route typically takes 5h 28m via I 5 and WA 167. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Kent compare to Eugene?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,260 in the Kent MSA vs $46,620 in the Eugene MSA, on total employment of 2,079,090 and 155,990 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Eugene to Kent?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 272 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Eugene vs Kent?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $90,416 in Kent vs $63,836 in Eugene β a 41.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Kent compared to Eugene?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $656,314 in Kent vs $473,231 in Eugene β a 38.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Eugene.
City profiles: Eugene, OR Β· Kent, WA.