Moving from Renton, WA to Vallejo, CA
It is 771 mi between Renton and Vallejo β roughly 14h 51m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 3 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
771 mi Β· 14h 51m by car Β· CA β OR β WA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA β OR β WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 5, I 505, OR 99 |
| Major cities en route | Oakland, Berkeley, Richmond, Concord, Fairfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Renton | Vallejo | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 111.133 | 108.479 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 92.814 | 154.993 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.972 | 105.168 | 100.0 |
| Services | 151.314 | 142.042 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 111.133 vs 108.479 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 2.4% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $764,375 to $520,970 moving to Vallejo.
YoY change: Renton -2.1%, Vallejo -5.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Renton | Vallejo |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54Β°F | 62Β°F |
| January avg low | 37Β°F | 42Β°F |
| July avg high | 77Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 34.7" | 21.5" |
Annual temperature rises 8.0Β°F moving to Vallejo per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: RENTON MUNI AP, WA US, VALLEJO, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Renton | Vallejo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 105,279 | 124,637 |
| Median household income | $96,626 | $89,496 |
| Median age | 36.5 | 40 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.4% | 19.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.55 | 2.84 |
Households in Vallejo earn about 2.4% less at the median β ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Vallejo MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 14,510 | $51,200 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 13,960 | $36,120 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 12,440 | $43,450 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 12,220 | $37,910 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 10,450 | $34,840 |
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
- 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
Is Vallejo more expensive than Renton?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Vallejo is 2.4% lower than Renton (108.479 vs 111.133, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Vallejo compare to Renton?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $53,520 in the Vallejo MSA vs $65,260 in the Renton MSA, on total employment of 137,640 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 Vallejo?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $89,496 in Vallejo vs $96,626 in Renton β a 7.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Vallejo compared to Renton?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $520,970 in Vallejo vs $764,375 in Renton β a 31.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Vallejo, CA from Renton, WA?
The driving distance is 771 mi and the route typically takes 14h 51m via I 5 and I 505. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Renton to Vallejo?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 771 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· Vallejo, CA.