Moving from Kent, WA to Hillsboro, OR
It is a 174 mi drive, roughly 3h 36m, between Kent, WA and Hillsboro, OR. 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.
174 mi Β· 3h 36m by car Β· WA β OR
Distance & route
| Route through | WA β OR |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 5, US 26, WA 167 |
| Major cities en route | Bellevue, Renton, Seattle, Tacoma, Vancouver |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Kent | Hillsboro | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 111.133 | 105.421 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 92.814 | 106.974 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.972 | 105.222 | 100.0 |
| Services | 151.314 | 125.114 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 5.1% cheaper overall in Hillsboro than Kent on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
5.1% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Kent -2.1%, Hillsboro -3.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Kent | Hillsboro |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 34Β°F |
| July avg high | 78Β°F | 82Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.1" | 35.9" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: KENT, WA US, PORTLAND-HILLSBORO AP, OR US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Kent | Hillsboro |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 135,015 | 107,050 |
| Median household income | $90,416 | $103,207 |
| Median age | 35.3 | 34.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.1% | 23.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.89 | 2.59 |
Households in Hillsboro earn about 5.1% more at the median β ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Hillsboro MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 141,870 | $47,870 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 104,880 | $44,260 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 99,580 | $34,860 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 96,250 | $41,260 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 92,520 | $79,400 |
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
- Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and White Pass on US-12 see frequent chain requirements December through March β check WSDOT mountain passes report.
- Cascade passes on I-84 and OR-58 can require chains or close entirely during winter storms.
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 does household income compare in Kent vs Hillsboro?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $103,207 in Hillsboro vs $90,416 in Kent β a 14.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Hillsboro compare to Kent?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $55,940 in the Hillsboro MSA vs $65,260 in the Kent MSA, on total employment of 1,206,150 and 2,079,090 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Kent to Hillsboro?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 174 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 Hillsboro compared to Kent?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $522,557 in Hillsboro vs $656,314 in Kent β a 20.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Hillsboro, OR from Kent, WA?
The driving distance is 174 mi and the route typically takes 3h 36m via I 5 and US 26. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Hillsboro more expensive than Kent?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Hillsboro is 5.1% lower than Kent (105.421 vs 111.133, 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 Kent.
City profiles: Kent, WA Β· Hillsboro, OR.