Moving from Kent, WA to Meridian, ID
The 479 mi from Kent to Meridian translate to about 9h behind the wheel through 3 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.
479 mi Β· 9h by car Β· WA β OR β ID
Distance & route
| Route through | WA β OR β ID |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 84, US 30, US 395 |
| Major cities en route | Seattle, Renton, Tacoma, Bellevue, Nampa |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Kent | Meridian | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 111.133 | 98.391 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 92.814 | 70.695 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.972 | 96.179 | 100.0 |
| Services | 151.314 | 105.58 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Meridian are 11.5% below Kent β a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 11.5% lower in Meridian than Kent as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Kent -2.1%, Meridian 0.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Kent | Meridian |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 78Β°F | 93Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 17.6" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.1" | 11.5" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 53.8Β°F vs 53.2Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Meridian sees 17.6 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: KENT, WA US, BOISE AIR TERMINAL, ID US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Kent | Meridian |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 135,015 | 124,865 |
| Median household income | $90,416 | $98,686 |
| Median age | 35.3 | 37.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.1% | 29.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.89 | 2.75 |
Income steps up 11.5%: $90,416 in Kent vs $98,686 in Meridian.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Meridian MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 49,860 | $40,850 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 32,370 | $39,170 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 31,530 | $29,290 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 31,420 | $37,030 |
| Management Occupations | 29,410 | $89,660 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Washington and Idaho
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Idaho'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
- Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and White Pass on US-12 see frequent chain requirements December through March β check WSDOT mountain passes report.
- Cascade passes on I-84 and OR-58 can require chains or close entirely during winter storms.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Meridian averages 17.6 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Meridian average 93Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Meridian sees only 11.5 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- 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 Idaho after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Kent to Meridian?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 479 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Meridian more expensive than Kent?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Meridian is 11.5% lower than Kent (98.391 vs 111.133, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Meridian, ID from Kent, WA?
The driving distance is 479 mi and the route typically takes 9h via I 84 and US 30. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Meridian compare to Kent?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,320 in the Meridian MSA vs $65,260 in the Kent MSA, on total employment of 372,470 and 2,079,090 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Meridian compared to Kent?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $526,994 in Meridian vs $656,314 in Kent β a 19.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Kent vs Meridian?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $98,686 in Meridian vs $90,416 in Kent β a 9.1% 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 Kent.
City profiles: Kent, WA Β· Meridian, ID.