Moving from Renton, WA to South Fulton, GA

Cross-country relocations like Renton, WA β†’ South Fulton, GA cover 2650 mi and about 47h 14m of driving through 10 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.

2650 mi Β· 47h 14m by car Β· GA β†’ TN β†’ KY β†’ IL β†’ MO β†’ IA β†’ SD β†’ MT β†’ ID β†’ WA

COL -10.0% Ξ” +10.0Β°F annual

Distance & route

Driving
2650 mi
Drive time
47h 14m
States
10
Fuel (25 mpg)
106 gal
Route throughGA β†’ TN β†’ KY β†’ IL β†’ MO β†’ IA β†’ SD β†’ MT β†’ ID β†’ WA
Primary highwaysI 90, I 29, I 24
Major cities en routeAtlanta, Sandy Springs, Chattanooga, Murfreesboro, Clarksville

Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.

Cost of living

RentonSouth FultonU.S. avg
All items (RPP)111.133100.058100.0
Rents92.81496.239100.0
Goods103.972100.416100.0
Services151.314111.022100.0

RPP moves from 111.133 to 100.058, putting South Fulton roughly 10.0% below Renton on the overall price level.

Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.

Housing prices

Renton β€” typical home
$764,375
South Fulton β€” typical home
β€”
Renton β€” typical rent
$2,149/mo

YoY change: Renton -2.1%, South Fulton β€”. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.

Climate

1991–2020 normalsRentonSouth Fulton
Annual avg temperature54Β°F64Β°F
January avg low37Β°F36Β°F
July avg high77Β°F90Β°F
Annual snowfallβ€”2.2"
Annual precipitation34.7"50.4"

Climate warms by 10.0Β°F on the annual average β€” 53.6Β°F β†’ 63.6Β°F.

Light snow year: South Fulton gets around 2.2 in annually.

Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: RENTON MUNI AP, WA US, ATLANTA HARTSFIELD INTL AP, GA US).

Demographics

ACS 5-year 2023RentonSouth Fulton
Population105,279109,157
Median household income$96,626$81,798
Median age36.535.7
Bachelor's degree or higher25.4%24.2%
Avg household size2.552.76

Income steps down 10.0%: $96,626 in Renton vs $81,798 in South Fulton.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.

Jobs & wages

Renton MSA β€” median wage
$65,260
South Fulton MSA β€” median wage
$48,370
Renton MSA β€” employment
2,079,090
South Fulton MSA β€” employment
2,817,660

Top occupations in South Fulton MSA

OccupationEmploymentMedian wage
Office and Administrative Support Occupations 350,210 $43,410
Transportation and Material Moving Occupations 317,700 $40,250
Sales and Related Occupations 275,750 $35,560
Business and Financial Operations Occupations 257,700 $79,020
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations 242,360 $28,720

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.

Moving between Washington and Georgia

Washington income tax
no state income tax
Georgia income tax
5.39% top marginal

State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Georgia'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 20–30% 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-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
  • I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
  • I-90 across western South Dakota can close in ground blizzards β€” check SD 511 November through April.
  • 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

  • Air conditioning matters: July highs in South Fulton average 90Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
  • Pack rain gear on top: South Fulton averages 50.4 in of annual precipitation β€” waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
  • You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (10.0Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
  • Tropical storms are possible August through October on the Atlantic coast.
  • 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 Georgia after establishing residency.

Frequently asked

How does household income compare in Renton vs South Fulton?

Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $81,798 in South Fulton vs $96,626 in Renton β€” a 15.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.

When is the best time to move from Renton to South Fulton?

Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2650 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β€” see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.

Is South Fulton more expensive than Renton?

Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in South Fulton is 10.0% lower than Renton (100.058 vs 111.133, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.

How does the job market in South Fulton compare to Renton?

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,370 in the South Fulton MSA vs $65,260 in the Renton MSA, on total employment of 2,817,660 and 2,079,090 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.

How far is South Fulton, GA from Renton, WA?

The driving distance is 2650 mi and the route typically takes 47h 14m via I 90 and I 29. The trip crosses 10 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.

Plan the move

Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Renton.

City profiles: Renton, WA Β· South Fulton, GA.

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