Moving from Vancouver, WA to Renton, WA
Relocating between Vancouver, WA and Renton, WA is a 160 mi drive β 3h 9m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
160 mi Β· 3h 9m by car Β· WA
Distance & route
| Route through | WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 5, I 205, I 405 |
| Major cities en route | Portland, Gresham, Hillsboro, Tacoma, Kent |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Vancouver | Renton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.421 | 111.133 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 106.974 | 92.814 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.222 | 103.972 | 100.0 |
| Services | 125.114 | 151.314 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 5.4% above Vancouver β 105.421 β 111.133 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
5.4% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Vancouver -0.7%, Renton -2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Vancouver | Renton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 34Β°F | 37Β°F |
| July avg high | 81Β°F | 77Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 37.5" | 34.7" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: VANCOUVER PEARSON AP, WA US, RENTON MUNI AP, WA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Vancouver | Renton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 192,696 | 105,279 |
| Median household income | $78,156 | $96,626 |
| Median age | 37.5 | 36.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.1% | 25.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.55 |
Expect median household income to rise 5.4% β $78,156 β $96,626 per ACS 5-year estimates (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.
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
- 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.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Renton compared to Vancouver?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $764,375 in Renton vs $509,318 in Vancouver β a 50.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Renton compare to Vancouver?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,260 in the Renton MSA vs $55,940 in the Vancouver MSA, on total employment of 2,079,090 and 1,206,150 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Vancouver vs Renton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $96,626 in Renton vs $78,156 in Vancouver β a 23.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Vancouver to Renton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 160 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Renton, WA from Vancouver, WA?
The driving distance is 160 mi and the route typically takes 3h 9m via I 5 and I 205. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Renton more expensive than Vancouver?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Renton is 5.4% higher than Vancouver (111.133 vs 105.421, 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 Vancouver.
City profiles: Vancouver, WA Β· Renton, WA.