Moving from Renton, WA to Philadelphia, PA
Moving from Renton, WA to Philadelphia, PA is a 2823 mi cross-country relocation β about 49h 52m of driving through 10 states. At this range professional movers, a PODS or U-Pack container, or an auto-transport service are usually on the table. The sections below pull current BEA cost-of-living, Zillow ZHVI, Census ACS, BLS wages, and NOAA climate normals for a side-by-side view.
2823 mi Β· 49h 52m by car Β· PA β OH β IN β IL β WI β MN β ND β MT β ID β WA
Distance & route
| Route through | PA β OH β IN β IL β WI β MN β ND β MT β ID β WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 94, I 76 |
| Major cities en route | Pittsburgh, Akron, Cleveland, Toledo, South Bend |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Renton | Philadelphia | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 111.133 | 102.554 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 92.814 | 114.389 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.972 | 96.833 | 100.0 |
| Services | 151.314 | 113.141 | 100.0 |
Philadelphia is 7.7% 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 Philadelphia is 7.7% below Renton β $764,375 vs $231,815 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Renton -2.1%, Philadelphia +2.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Renton | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54Β°F | 58Β°F |
| January avg low | 37Β°F | 28Β°F |
| July avg high | 77Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 16.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 34.7" | 50.7" |
Annual average temperatures in Renton (53.6Β°F) and Philadelphia (57.7Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Philadelphia averages 16.1 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, PHILA FRANKLIN INST, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Renton | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 105,279 | 1,582,432 |
| Median household income | $96,626 | $60,698 |
| Median age | 36.5 | 35.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.4% | 19.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.55 | 2.36 |
Median household income in Philadelphia is 7.7% below Renton ($96,626 vs $60,698, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Philadelphia MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 352,560 | $46,660 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 252,940 | $41,710 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 228,980 | $36,650 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 223,850 | $31,100 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 200,320 | $86,620 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Washington and Pennsylvania
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Pennsylvania'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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- 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: Philadelphia averages 16.1 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Pack rain gear on top: Philadelphia averages 50.7 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- 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 Pennsylvania after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Philadelphia, PA from Renton, WA?
The driving distance is 2823 mi and the route typically takes 49h 52m via I 90 and I 94. The trip crosses 10 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Renton vs Philadelphia?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,698 in Philadelphia vs $96,626 in Renton β a 37.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Philadelphia compare to Renton?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,160 in the Philadelphia MSA vs $65,260 in the Renton MSA, on total employment of 2,829,560 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 Philadelphia?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2823 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Philadelphia compared to Renton?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $231,815 in Philadelphia vs $764,375 in Renton β a 69.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Philadelphia more expensive than Renton?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Philadelphia is 7.7% lower than Renton (102.554 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· Philadelphia, PA.