Moving from Madison, WI to Renton, WA
It is 1921 mi and 33h 26m from Madison to Renton β a cross-country move across 6 states. Housing, cost of living, climate, and tax picture all tend to shift substantially at this distance. This page pulls the current figures from each federal source and Zillow Research into one comparison.
1921 mi Β· 33h 26m by car Β· WI β MN β ND β MT β ID β WA
Distance & route
| Route through | WI β MN β ND β MT β ID β WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 94, I 90, US 191 |
| Major cities en route | St Paul, Minneapolis, Fargo, Billings, Spokane Valley |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Madison | Renton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.287 | 111.133 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.825 | 92.814 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 103.972 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.748 | 151.314 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 14.2% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 14.2% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $423,767 to $764,375 moving to Renton.
YoY change: Madison +2.4%, Renton -2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Madison | Renton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 37Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 77Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.2" | 34.7" |
Expect 6.4Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: UW ARBORETUM - MADISON, WI US, RENTON MUNI AP, WA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Madison | Renton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 275,568 | 105,279 |
| Median household income | $76,983 | $96,626 |
| Median age | 31.8 | 36.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 33.5% | 25.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.19 | 2.55 |
Expect median household income to rise 14.2% β $76,983 β $96,626 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 Wisconsin 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
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
- I-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms β check MnDOT 511.
- I-29 and I-94 can close without notice in winter storms; travel bans are declared more than once most winters.
- 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 Madison, WI?
The driving distance is 1921 mi and the route typically takes 33h 26m via I 94 and I 90. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Madison to Renton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1921 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Renton more expensive than Madison?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Renton is 14.2% higher than Madison (111.133 vs 97.287, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Renton compared to Madison?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $764,375 in Renton vs $423,767 in Madison β a 80.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Renton compare to Madison?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,260 in the Renton MSA vs $50,910 in the Madison MSA, on total employment of 2,079,090 and 396,960 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Madison vs Renton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $96,626 in Renton vs $76,983 in Madison β a 25.5% 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 Madison.
City profiles: Madison, WI Β· Renton, WA.