Moving from Kansas City, MO to Renton, WA
A 1835 mi cross-country move between Kansas City and Renton is 31h 58m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 7 states. Nearly every household line β rent, taxes, climate, commute β usually shifts. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data to make those differences visible on a single screen.
1835 mi Β· 31h 58m by car Β· MO β IA β SD β WY β MT β ID β WA
Distance & route
| Route through | MO β IA 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, Independence, Lee S Summit, Kansas City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Kansas City | 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 |
Renton is 20.1% more expensive than Kansas City on the BEA RPP β expect rent and services to carry most of that gap.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $250,208 in Kansas City to $764,375 in Renton, a 20.1% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Kansas City +0.8%, Renton -2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Kansas City | Renton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 57Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 37Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 77Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 11.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 38.1" | 34.7" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 56.9Β°F vs 53.6Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: KANSAS CITY DOWNTOWN AP, MO US, RENTON MUNI AP, WA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Kansas City | Renton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 508,233 | 105,279 |
| Median household income | $67,449 | $96,626 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 36.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 23.8% | 25.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.55 |
Renton households earn about 20.1% more than Kansas City at the median β $67,449 β $96,626 on ACS 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
How far is Renton, WA from Kansas City, MO?
The driving distance is 1835 mi and the route typically takes 31h 58m via I 90 and I 29. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Renton compared to Kansas City?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $764,375 in Renton vs $250,208 in Kansas City β a 205.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Kansas City vs Renton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $96,626 in Renton vs $67,449 in Kansas City β a 43.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Kansas 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 1835 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 Kansas City?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,260 in the Renton MSA vs $48,040 in the Kansas City 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.
Is Renton more expensive than Kansas City?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Renton is 20.1% higher than Kansas City (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 Kansas City.
City profiles: Kansas City, MO Β· Renton, WA.