Moving from Renton, WA to Ann Arbor, MI
Cross-country relocations like Renton, WA β Ann Arbor, MI cover 2307 mi and about 40h 28m of driving through 9 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.
2307 mi Β· 40h 28m by car Β· MI β IN β IL β WI β MN β ND β MT β ID β WA
Distance & route
| Route through | MI β IN β IL β WI β MN β ND β MT β ID β WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 94, I 90, US 191 |
| Major cities en route | Dearborn, South Bend, Chicago, Naperville, Elgin |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Renton | Ann Arbor | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 111.133 | 100.88 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 92.814 | 98.184 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.972 | 93.711 | 100.0 |
| Services | 151.314 | 125.3 | 100.0 |
Ann Arbor is 9.2% cheaper than Renton overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Ann Arbor is 9.2% below Renton β $764,375 vs $523,391 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Renton -2.1%, Ann Arbor +3.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Renton | Ann Arbor |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 37Β°F | 16Β°F |
| July avg high | 77Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 59.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 34.7" | 37.9" |
Climate cools by 5.4Β°F on the annual average β 53.6Β°F β 48.2Β°F.
Ann Arbor averages 59.3 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: RENTON MUNI AP, WA US, ANN ARBOR SE, MI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Renton | Ann Arbor |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 105,279 | 121,179 |
| Median household income | $96,626 | $81,089 |
| Median age | 36.5 | 27.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.4% | 30.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.55 | 2.43 |
Income steps down 9.2%: $96,626 in Renton vs $81,089 in Ann Arbor.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Ann Arbor MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 29,010 | $50,890 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 25,400 | $81,710 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 24,670 | $42,280 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 15,280 | $32,120 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 13,740 | $36,520 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Washington and Michigan
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Michigan'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
- Lake-effect snow bands across the western Upper Peninsula can require chains on US-2.
- 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
- Winter gear first: Ann Arbor averages 59.3 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- 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 Michigan after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Ann Arbor compared to Renton?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $523,391 in Ann Arbor vs $764,375 in Renton β a 31.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Ann Arbor compare to Renton?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,690 in the Ann Arbor MSA vs $65,260 in the Renton MSA, on total employment of 215,300 and 2,079,090 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Renton to Ann Arbor?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2307 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Ann Arbor more expensive than Renton?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Ann Arbor is 9.2% lower than Renton (100.88 vs 111.133, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Ann Arbor, MI from Renton, WA?
The driving distance is 2307 mi and the route typically takes 40h 28m via I 94 and I 90. The trip crosses 9 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Renton vs Ann Arbor?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $81,089 in Ann Arbor vs $96,626 in Renton β a 16.1% lower 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 Renton.
City profiles: Renton, WA Β· Ann Arbor, MI.