Moving from Salem, OR to Kent, WA
It is a 210 mi drive, roughly 4h 14m, between Salem, OR and Kent, WA. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
210 mi Β· 4h 14m by car Β· OR β WA
Distance & route
| Route through | OR β WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 5, OR 99E, WA 167 |
| Major cities en route | Hillsboro, Gresham, Portland, Vancouver, Tacoma |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Salem | Kent | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.649 | 111.133 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 104.689 | 92.814 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.261 | 103.972 | 100.0 |
| Services | 110.333 | 151.314 | 100.0 |
Kent runs about 7.2% more expensive overall than Salem β RPP 103.649 β 111.133.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $436,318 in Salem to $656,314 in Kent, a 7.2% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Salem +0.5%, Kent -2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Salem | Kent |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 78Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.1" | 40.1" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 54.1Β°F vs 53.8Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SALEM MCNARY FLD, OR US, KENT, WA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Salem | Kent |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 176,666 | 135,015 |
| Median household income | $71,900 | $90,416 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.3% | 21.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.64 | 2.89 |
Kent households earn about 7.2% more than Salem at the median β $71,900 β $90,416 on 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.
Moving between Oregon 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
- 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 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
How does the job market in Kent compare to Salem?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,260 in the Kent MSA vs $48,750 in the Salem MSA, on total employment of 2,079,090 and 181,870 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Salem to Kent?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 210 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 Kent compared to Salem?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $656,314 in Kent vs $436,318 in Salem β a 50.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Kent, WA from Salem, OR?
The driving distance is 210 mi and the route typically takes 4h 14m via I 5 and OR 99E. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Salem vs Kent?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $90,416 in Kent vs $71,900 in Salem β a 25.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Kent more expensive than Salem?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Kent is 7.2% higher than Salem (111.133 vs 103.649, 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 Salem.
City profiles: Salem, OR Β· Kent, WA.