Moving from Renton, WA to Columbia, MO
Cross-country relocations like Renton, WA β Columbia, MO cover 1965 mi and about 34h 17m of driving through 7 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.
1965 mi Β· 34h 17m by car Β· MO β IA β SD β WY β MT β ID β WA
Distance & route
| Route through | MO β IA β SD β WY β MT β ID β WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 29, US 212 |
| Major cities en route | Independence, Lee S Summit, Kansas City, Overland Park, Olathe |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Renton | Columbia | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 111.133 | 89.438 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 92.814 | 85.966 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.972 | 94.193 | 100.0 |
| Services | 151.314 | 69.248 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Columbia are 19.5% below Renton β a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Columbia typical home at $321,091 is 19.5% under Renton at $764,375 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Renton -2.1%, Columbia +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Renton | Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 37Β°F | 23Β°F |
| July avg high | 77Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 17.4" |
| Annual precipitation | 34.7" | 44.8" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 53.6Β°F vs 56.2Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Columbia sees 17.4 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: RENTON MUNI AP, WA US, COLUMBIA U OF M, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Renton | Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 105,279 | 127,200 |
| Median household income | $96,626 | $64,488 |
| Median age | 36.5 | 29.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.4% | 30.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.55 | 2.48 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 19.5% between Renton and Columbia (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Columbia MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 11,920 | $39,450 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 10,570 | $28,450 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 9,410 | $73,610 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 8,040 | $48,850 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 7,510 | $32,430 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Washington and Missouri
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Missouri'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
- Winter gear first: Columbia averages 17.4 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Tornadoes are common April through June β identify a safe room or interior space on day one.
- 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 Missouri after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Columbia compared to Renton?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $321,091 in Columbia vs $764,375 in Renton β a 58.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Columbia compare to Renton?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,410 in the Columbia MSA vs $65,260 in the Renton MSA, on total employment of 97,940 and 2,079,090 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Renton vs Columbia?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,488 in Columbia vs $96,626 in Renton β a 33.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Columbia, MO from Renton, WA?
The driving distance is 1965 mi and the route typically takes 34h 17m via I 90 and I 29. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Renton to Columbia?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1965 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Columbia more expensive than Renton?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Columbia is 19.5% lower than Renton (89.438 vs 111.133, 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 Renton.
City profiles: Renton, WA Β· Columbia, MO.