Moving from Omaha, NE to Kent, WA
It is 1659 mi and 28h 49m from Omaha to Kent β a cross-country move across 7 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.
1659 mi Β· 28h 49m by car Β· NE β IA β SD β WY β MT β ID β WA
Distance & route
| Route through | NE β IA β SD β WY β MT β ID β WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, US 212, I 29 |
| Major cities en route | Sioux Falls, Billings, Spokane Valley, Spokane, Bellevue |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Omaha | Kent | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.911 | 111.133 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 76.378 | 92.814 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.063 | 103.972 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.404 | 151.314 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Kent is 20.9% above Omaha β one of the larger spreads between U.S. metros.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
20.9% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Omaha +1.2%, Kent -2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Omaha | Kent |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 15Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 78Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | β | 40.1" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: OMAHA #1, NE US, KENT, WA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Omaha | Kent |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 488,197 | 135,015 |
| Median household income | $72,708 | $90,416 |
| Median age | 35.3 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.6% | 21.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.44 | 2.89 |
Expect median household income to rise 20.9% β $72,708 β $90,416 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
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 Nebraska 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
- I-90 across western South Dakota can close in ground blizzards β check SD 511 November through April.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- 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 much do homes cost in Kent compared to Omaha?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $656,314 in Kent vs $294,189 in Omaha β a 123.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Kent, WA from Omaha, NE?
The driving distance is 1659 mi and the route typically takes 28h 49m via I 90 and US 212. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Kent more expensive than Omaha?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Kent is 20.9% higher than Omaha (111.133 vs 91.911, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Omaha vs Kent?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $90,416 in Kent vs $72,708 in Omaha β a 24.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Kent compare to Omaha?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,260 in the Kent MSA vs $47,580 in the Omaha MSA, on total employment of 2,079,090 and 483,970 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Omaha to Kent?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1659 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 Omaha.
City profiles: Omaha, NE Β· Kent, WA.