Moving from Renton, WA to Downey, CA
A move from Renton, WA to Downey, CA covers 1141 mi and around 21h 36m of driving through 3 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
1141 mi Β· 21h 36m by car Β· CA β OR β WA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA β OR β WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 5, I 5 TRUCK, I 405 |
| Major cities en route | Long Beach, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Irvine, Huntington Beach |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Renton | Downey | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 111.133 | 113.566 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 92.814 | 158.589 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.972 | 106.623 | 100.0 |
| Services | 151.314 | 170.433 | 100.0 |
Downey and Renton are close on the overall BEA RPP (111.133 vs 113.566); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 2.2% higher in Downey than Renton as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Renton -2.1%, Downey +1.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Renton | Downey |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54Β°F | 65Β°F |
| January avg low | 37Β°F | 47Β°F |
| July avg high | 77Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 34.7" | 12.0" |
Downey runs 11.3Β°F warmer on the annual average (53.6Β°F vs 64.9Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: RENTON MUNI AP, WA US, LONG BEACH DAUGHERTY FLD, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Renton | Downey |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 105,279 | 111,793 |
| Median household income | $96,626 | $87,400 |
| Median age | 36.5 | 37 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.4% | 17.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.55 | 3.22 |
Median household income in Downey is 2.2% below Renton ($96,626 β $87,400, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Downey MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 746,160 | $48,810 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 570,740 | $35,580 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 516,960 | $40,560 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 494,430 | $39,510 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 461,490 | $33,530 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Washington and California
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check California'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
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
- 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
- Dry climate: Downey sees only 12.0 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (11.3Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Wildfire season in California typically peaks July through October β register for county emergency alerts during unpack.
- 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 California after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Renton vs Downey?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $87,400 in Downey vs $96,626 in Renton β a 9.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Renton to Downey?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1141 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Downey compare to Renton?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,490 in the Downey MSA vs $65,260 in the Renton MSA, on total employment of 6,185,570 and 2,079,090 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Downey more expensive than Renton?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Downey is 2.2% higher than Renton (113.566 vs 111.133, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Downey, CA from Renton, WA?
The driving distance is 1141 mi and the route typically takes 21h 36m via I 5 and I 5 TRUCK. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Downey compared to Renton?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $888,710 in Downey vs $764,375 in Renton β a 16.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Renton.
City profiles: Renton, WA Β· Downey, CA.