Moving from Meridian, ID to Kent, WA
The 479 mi from Meridian to Kent 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
| Meridian | Kent | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.391 | 111.133 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 70.695 | 92.814 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.179 | 103.972 | 100.0 |
| Services | 105.58 | 151.314 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 13.0% pricier overall in Kent than Meridian on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Kent typical home at $656,314 is 13.0% above Meridian at $526,994 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Meridian 0.0%, Kent -2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Meridian | Kent |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 26Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 78Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 17.6" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 11.5" | 40.1" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 53.2Β°F vs 53.8Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: BOISE AIR TERMINAL, ID US, KENT, WA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Meridian | Kent |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 124,865 | 135,015 |
| Median household income | $98,686 | $90,416 |
| Median age | 37.4 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.3% | 21.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.75 | 2.89 |
Income steps down 13.0%: $98,686 in Meridian vs $90,416 in Kent.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Kent 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 Idaho 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
- 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
- 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
When is the best time to move from Meridian to Kent?
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.
How does household income compare in Meridian vs Kent?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $90,416 in Kent vs $98,686 in Meridian β a 8.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Kent, WA from Meridian, ID?
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 much do homes cost in Kent compared to Meridian?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $656,314 in Kent vs $526,994 in Meridian β a 24.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Kent more expensive than Meridian?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Kent is 13.0% higher than Meridian (111.133 vs 98.391, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Kent compare to Meridian?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,260 in the Kent MSA vs $45,320 in the Meridian MSA, on total employment of 2,079,090 and 372,470 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Meridian.
City profiles: Meridian, ID Β· Kent, WA.