Moving from Kent, WA to Eugene, OR
The 272 mi from Kent to Eugene translate to about 5h 28m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
272 mi Β· 5h 28m by car Β· OR β WA
Distance & route
| Route through | OR β WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 5, WA 167, OR 126 |
| Major cities en route | Salem, Hillsboro, Gresham, Portland, Vancouver |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Kent | Eugene | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 111.133 | 101.568 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 92.814 | 102.531 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.972 | 105.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 151.314 | 98.35 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Eugene are 8.6% below Kent β a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Eugene typical home at $473,231 is 8.6% under Kent at $656,314 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Kent -2.1%, Eugene -0.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Kent | Eugene |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 35Β°F |
| July avg high | 78Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.1" | 40.8" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 53.8Β°F vs 53.1Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: KENT, WA US, EUGENE MAHLON SWEET AP, OR US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Kent | Eugene |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 135,015 | 177,520 |
| Median household income | $90,416 | $63,836 |
| Median age | 35.3 | 35.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.1% | 23.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.89 | 2.33 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 8.6% between Kent and Eugene (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Eugene MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 19,330 | $44,270 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 15,420 | $30,860 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 13,740 | $36,090 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 13,230 | $40,070 |
| Management Occupations | 10,540 | $93,090 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Washington and Oregon
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Oregon'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 peaks July through September east of the Cascades β register for county emergency alerts.
- 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 Oregon after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Eugene, OR from Kent, WA?
The driving distance is 272 mi and the route typically takes 5h 28m via I 5 and WA 167. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Eugene compare to Kent?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,620 in the Eugene MSA vs $65,260 in the Kent MSA, on total employment of 155,990 and 2,079,090 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Kent vs Eugene?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,836 in Eugene vs $90,416 in Kent β a 29.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Eugene compared to Kent?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $473,231 in Eugene vs $656,314 in Kent β a 27.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Eugene more expensive than Kent?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Eugene is 8.6% lower than Kent (101.568 vs 111.133, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Kent to Eugene?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 272 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 Kent.
City profiles: Kent, WA Β· Eugene, OR.