Moving from Kent, WA to Renton, WA
Moving from Kent, WA to Renton, WA is a 9.0 mi drive, about 15 min by car. This is a local relocation β same-day moves are typical β but cost-of-living, housing, and tax lines still shift enough to plan around. The sections below pull current figures from BEA, the Census Bureau, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA for a side-by-side look.
9.0 mi Β· 15 min by car Β· WA
Distance & route
| Route through | WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | WA 167, I 405, WA 169 |
| Major cities en route | Tacoma, Seattle, Bellevue |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Kent | Renton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 111.133 | 111.133 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 92.814 | 92.814 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.972 | 103.972 | 100.0 |
| Services | 151.314 | 151.314 | 100.0 |
Renton and Kent are close on the overall BEA RPP (111.133 vs 111.133); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 0.0% higher in Renton than Kent as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Kent -2.1%, Renton -2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Kent | Renton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 37Β°F |
| July avg high | 78Β°F | 77Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.1" | 34.7" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 53.8Β°F vs 53.6Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: KENT, WA US, RENTON MUNI AP, WA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Kent | Renton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 135,015 | 105,279 |
| Median household income | $90,416 | $96,626 |
| Median age | 35.3 | 36.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.1% | 25.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.89 | 2.55 |
Median household income in Renton is 0.0% above Kent ($90,416 β $96,626, 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.
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.
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.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Renton compared to Kent?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $764,375 in Renton vs $656,314 in Kent β a 16.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Renton, WA from Kent, WA?
The driving distance is 9.0 mi and the route typically takes 15 min via WA 167 and I 405. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Kent vs Renton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $96,626 in Renton vs $90,416 in Kent β a 6.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Renton compare to Kent?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,260 in the Renton MSA vs $65,260 in the Kent MSA, on total employment of 2,079,090 and 2,079,090 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Kent to Renton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 9.0 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Kent.
City profiles: Kent, WA Β· Renton, WA.