Moving from Kent, WA to Richmond, CA
The drive from Kent, WA to Richmond, CA runs 778 mi β about 15h 5m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
778 mi Β· 15h 5m by car Β· WA β OR β CA
Distance & route
| Route through | WA β OR β CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 5, I 80, I 505 |
| Major cities en route | Seattle, Bellevue, Renton, Tacoma, Vancouver |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Kent | Richmond | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 111.133 | 115.613 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 92.814 | 172.585 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.972 | 108.465 | 100.0 |
| Services | 151.314 | 194.718 | 100.0 |
Richmond and Kent are close on the overall BEA RPP (111.133 vs 115.613); 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 4.0% lower in Richmond than Kent as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Kent -2.1%, Richmond -5.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Kent | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54Β°F | 59Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 44Β°F |
| July avg high | 78Β°F | 71Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.1" | 24.4" |
Climate warms by 5.0Β°F on the annual average β 53.8Β°F β 58.8Β°F.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Richmond sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: KENT, WA US, RICHMOND, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Kent | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 135,015 | 115,396 |
| Median household income | $90,416 | $90,038 |
| Median age | 35.3 | 37.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.1% | 20.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.89 | 2.85 |
Household income lines up β $90,416 vs $90,038 on ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Richmond MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 244,380 | $59,630 |
| Management Occupations | 237,070 | $171,350 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 211,250 | $104,950 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 194,040 | $39,200 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 183,930 | $49,390 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Washington and California
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check California'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.
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Wildfire season in California typically peaks July through October β register for county emergency alerts during unpack.
- 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 California after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Kent vs Richmond?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $90,038 in Richmond vs $90,416 in Kent β a 0.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Richmond compared to Kent?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $606,427 in Richmond vs $656,314 in Kent β a 7.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Kent to Richmond?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 778 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 Richmond compare to Kent?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $72,050 in the Richmond MSA vs $65,260 in the Kent MSA, on total employment of 2,422,210 and 2,079,090 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Richmond more expensive than Kent?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Richmond is 4.0% higher than Kent (115.613 vs 111.133, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Richmond, CA from Kent, WA?
The driving distance is 778 mi and the route typically takes 15h 5m via I 5 and I 80. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Kent.
City profiles: Kent, WA Β· Richmond, CA.