Moving from Renton, WA to Kent, WA
Moving from Renton, WA to Kent, WA is a 9.0 mi drive, about 15 min by car. This is a local relocation β same-day moves are typical β but cost-of-living, housing, and tax lines still shift enough to plan around. The sections below pull current figures from BEA, the Census Bureau, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA for a side-by-side look.
9.0 mi Β· 15 min by car Β· WA
Distance & route
| Route through | WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | WA 167, I 405, WA 169 |
| Major cities en route | Tacoma, Seattle, Bellevue |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Renton | Kent | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 111.133 | 111.133 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 92.814 | 92.814 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.972 | 103.972 | 100.0 |
| Services | 151.314 | 151.314 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Renton (111.133) and Kent (111.133) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing drop: Kent ZHVI at $656,314 is 0.0% below Renton at $764,375.
YoY change: Renton -2.1%, Kent -2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Renton | Kent |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 37Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 77Β°F | 78Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 34.7" | 40.1" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: RENTON MUNI AP, WA US, KENT, WA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Renton | Kent |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 105,279 | 135,015 |
| Median household income | $96,626 | $90,416 |
| Median age | 36.5 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.4% | 21.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.55 | 2.89 |
Median household income in Kent is 0.0% below Renton ($96,626 β $90,416, ACS 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.
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
- 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.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Renton vs Kent?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $90,416 in Kent vs $96,626 in Renton β a 6.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Kent compared to Renton?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $656,314 in Kent vs $764,375 in Renton β a 14.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Kent, WA from Renton, WA?
The driving distance is 9.0 mi and the route typically takes 15 min via WA 167 and I 405. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Kent compare to Renton?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,260 in the Kent MSA vs $65,260 in the Renton MSA, on total employment of 2,079,090 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 Kent?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 9.0 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 Renton.
City profiles: Renton, WA Β· Kent, WA.