Moving from Rockford, IL to Renton, WA
A 1994 mi cross-country move between Rockford and Renton is 34h 34m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 7 states. Nearly every household line β rent, taxes, climate, commute β usually shifts. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data to make those differences visible on a single screen.
1994 mi Β· 34h 34m by car Β· IL β WI β MN β ND β MT β ID β WA
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β WI β MN β ND β MT β ID β WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 94, I 90, US 191 |
| Major cities en route | Madison, St Paul, Minneapolis, Fargo, Billings |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Rockford | Renton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.154 | 111.133 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.378 | 92.814 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.643 | 103.972 | 100.0 |
| Services | 70.076 | 151.314 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Renton is 20.6% above Rockford β one of the larger spreads between U.S. metros.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
20.6% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Rockford +9.9%, Renton -2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Rockford | Renton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 15Β°F | 37Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 77Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 37.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 37.2" | 34.7" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ROCKFORD GTR ROCKFORD AP, IL US, RENTON MUNI AP, WA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Rockford | Renton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 147,649 | 105,279 |
| Median household income | $53,328 | $96,626 |
| Median age | 37.5 | 36.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 14.9% | 25.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.4 | 2.55 |
Renton households earn about 20.6% more than Rockford at the median β $53,328 β $96,626 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Renton 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.
Moving between Illinois and Washington
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Washington'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
- 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
- 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.
- Register to vote in Washington after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Renton more expensive than Rockford?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Renton is 20.6% higher than Rockford (111.133 vs 92.154, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Renton compare to Rockford?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,260 in the Renton MSA vs $44,810 in the Rockford MSA, on total employment of 2,079,090 and 138,920 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Renton, WA from Rockford, IL?
The driving distance is 1994 mi and the route typically takes 34h 34m via I 94 and I 90. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Renton compared to Rockford?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $764,375 in Renton vs $177,225 in Rockford β a 331.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Rockford to Renton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1994 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Rockford vs Renton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $96,626 in Renton vs $53,328 in Rockford β a 81.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Rockford.
City profiles: Rockford, IL Β· Renton, WA.