Moving from Independence, MO to Renton, WA
Moving from Independence, MO to Renton, WA is a 1849 mi cross-country relocation β about 32h 17m of driving through 8 states. At this range professional movers, a PODS or U-Pack container, or an auto-transport service are usually on the table. The sections below pull current BEA cost-of-living, Zillow ZHVI, Census ACS, BLS wages, and NOAA climate normals for a side-by-side view.
1849 mi Β· 32h 17m by car Β· MO β IA β NE β SD β WY β MT β ID β WA
Distance & route
| Route through | MO β IA β NE β SD β WY β MT β ID β WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 29, US 212 |
| Major cities en route | Overland Park, Olathe, Lee S Summit, Kansas City, Kansas City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Independence | Renton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.543 | 111.133 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.034 | 92.814 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.12 | 103.972 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.642 | 151.314 | 100.0 |
Major COL jump: 20.1% higher overall in Renton vs Independence on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Renton: 20.1% above Independence on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Independence +2.6%, Renton -2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Independence | Renton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 37Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 77Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 13.2" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 44.7" | 34.7" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: INDEPENDENCE, MO US, RENTON MUNI AP, WA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Independence | Renton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,944 | 105,279 |
| Median household income | $59,480 | $96,626 |
| Median age | 38.4 | 36.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.7% | 25.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.55 |
Median household income in Renton is 20.1% above Independence ($59,480 vs $96,626, ACS 5-year 2023).
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 Missouri 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
- I-90 across western South Dakota can close in ground blizzards β check SD 511 November through April.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- Montana interstates can close without notice in winter storms β check MDT 511 before entering the state November through April.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during 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 Independence to Renton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1849 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Renton compare to Independence?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,260 in the Renton MSA vs $48,040 in the Independence MSA, on total employment of 2,079,090 and 1,078,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Renton, WA from Independence, MO?
The driving distance is 1849 mi and the route typically takes 32h 17m via I 90 and I 29. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Independence vs Renton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $96,626 in Renton vs $59,480 in Independence β a 62.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Renton compared to Independence?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $764,375 in Renton vs $208,158 in Independence β a 267.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Renton more expensive than Independence?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Renton is 20.1% higher than Independence (111.133 vs 92.543, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Independence.
City profiles: Independence, MO Β· Renton, WA.