Moving from Meridian, ID to Renton, WA
The 480 mi from Meridian to Renton translate to about 8h 57m 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.
480 mi Β· 8h 57m by car Β· ID β OR β WA
Distance & route
| Route through | ID β OR β WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 84, US 30, ID 55 |
| Major cities en route | Boise City, Nampa, Bellevue, Seattle, Everett |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Meridian | Renton | 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 |
BEA RPP moves from 98.391 in Meridian to 111.133 in Renton, a 13.0% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Renton: 13.0% above Meridian on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Meridian 0.0%, Renton -2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Meridian | Renton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 26Β°F | 37Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 77Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 17.6" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 11.5" | 34.7" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: BOISE AIR TERMINAL, ID US, RENTON MUNI AP, WA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Meridian | Renton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 124,865 | 105,279 |
| Median household income | $98,686 | $96,626 |
| Median age | 37.4 | 36.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.3% | 25.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.75 | 2.55 |
No material income gap at the median: ACS 2023 puts both cities within 5%.
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 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
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- Cascade passes on I-84 and OR-58 can require chains or close entirely during winter 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 Meridian, ID?
The driving distance is 480 mi and the route typically takes 8h 57m via I 84 and US 30. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Meridian vs Renton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $96,626 in Renton vs $98,686 in Meridian β a 2.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Renton compare to Meridian?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,260 in the Renton 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.
When is the best time to move from Meridian to Renton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 480 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Renton more expensive than Meridian?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Renton 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 much do homes cost in Renton compared to Meridian?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $764,375 in Renton vs $526,994 in Meridian β a 45.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Meridian.
City profiles: Meridian, ID Β· Renton, WA.