Moving from Yonkers, NY to Kent, WA
Cross-country relocations like Yonkers, NY β Kent, WA cover 2866 mi and about 50h 55m of driving through 12 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.
2866 mi Β· 50h 55m by car Β· NY β NJ β PA β OH β IN β IL β WI β MN β ND β MT β ID β WA
Distance & route
| Route through | NY β NJ β PA β OH β IN β IL β WI β MN β ND β MT β ID β WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 94, I 80 |
| Major cities en route | Stamford, New York, Jersey City, Newark, Paterson |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Yonkers | Kent | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 111.133 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 92.814 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 103.972 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 151.314 | 100.0 |
Kent and Yonkers are close on the overall BEA RPP (112.563 vs 111.133); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home values are comparable between the two cities on the latest Zillow ZHVI.
YoY change: Yonkers +5.9%, Kent -2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Yonkers | Kent |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 23Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 86Β°F | 78Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 32.7" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 51.2" | 40.1" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 53.4Β°F vs 53.8Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DOBBS FERRY-ARDSLEY, NY US, KENT, WA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Yonkers | Kent |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 209,529 | 135,015 |
| Median household income | $81,816 | $90,416 |
| Median age | 39 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.6% | 21.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 2.89 |
Income steps up 1.3%: $81,816 in Yonkers vs $90,416 in Kent.
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 New York 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
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- 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 Kent more expensive than Yonkers?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Kent is 1.3% lower than Yonkers (111.133 vs 112.563, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Yonkers vs Kent?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $90,416 in Kent vs $81,816 in Yonkers β a 10.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Kent, WA from Yonkers, NY?
The driving distance is 2866 mi and the route typically takes 50h 55m via I 90 and I 94. The trip crosses 12 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Kent compare to Yonkers?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,260 in the Kent MSA vs $59,390 in the Yonkers MSA, on total employment of 2,079,090 and 9,495,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Yonkers to Kent?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2866 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 Yonkers?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $656,314 in Kent vs $680,218 in Yonkers β a 3.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Yonkers.
City profiles: Yonkers, NY Β· Kent, WA.