Moving from Portland, OR to Renton, WA
Relocating between Portland, OR and Renton, WA is a 165 mi drive β 3h 17m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
165 mi Β· 3h 17m by car Β· OR β WA
Distance & route
| Route through | OR β WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 5, US 30, I 405 |
| Major cities en route | Gresham, Hillsboro, Vancouver, Tacoma, Kent |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Portland | Renton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.421 | 111.133 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 106.974 | 92.814 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.222 | 103.972 | 100.0 |
| Services | 125.114 | 151.314 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 5.4% above Portland β 105.421 β 111.133 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
5.4% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Portland -1.1%, Renton -2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Portland | Renton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 37Β°F | 37Β°F |
| July avg high | 80Β°F | 77Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.6" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 44.1" | 34.7" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PORTLAND KGW-TV, OR US, RENTON MUNI AP, WA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Portland | Renton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 642,715 | 105,279 |
| Median household income | $88,792 | $96,626 |
| Median age | 38.6 | 36.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 32.1% | 25.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.24 | 2.55 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 5.4% higher in Renton than Portland.
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 Oregon 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
- 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 does household income compare in Portland vs Renton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $96,626 in Renton vs $88,792 in Portland β a 8.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Renton compared to Portland?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $764,375 in Renton vs $534,638 in Portland β a 43.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Renton compare to Portland?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,260 in the Renton MSA vs $55,940 in the Portland MSA, on total employment of 2,079,090 and 1,206,150 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Renton, WA from Portland, OR?
The driving distance is 165 mi and the route typically takes 3h 17m via I 5 and US 30. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Portland to Renton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 165 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Renton more expensive than Portland?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Renton is 5.4% higher than Portland (111.133 vs 105.421, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Portland.
City profiles: Portland, OR Β· Renton, WA.