Moving from New York, NY to Renton, WA
It is 2864 mi and 50h 56m from New York to Renton β a cross-country move across 12 states. Housing, cost of living, climate, and tax picture all tend to shift substantially at this distance. This page pulls the current figures from each federal source and Zillow Research into one comparison.
2864 mi Β· 50h 56m 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 | Newark, Jersey City, Elizabeth, Yonkers, Paterson |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| New York | Renton | 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 |
Overall price level is comparable β 112.563 vs 111.133 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect around 1.3% lower home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: New York +4.5%, Renton -2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | New York | Renton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 56Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 28Β°F | 37Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 77Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 24.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 47.1" | 34.7" |
Annual average temperatures in New York (55.5Β°F) and Renton (53.6Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NY AVE V BROOKLYN, NY US, RENTON MUNI AP, WA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | New York | Renton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 8,516,202 | 105,279 |
| Median household income | $79,713 | $96,626 |
| Median age | 38 | 36.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 23.6% | 25.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.57 | 2.55 |
Expect median household income to rise 1.3% β $79,713 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.
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 Renton more expensive than New York?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Renton is 1.3% lower than New York (111.133 vs 112.563, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from New York to Renton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2864 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 New York, NY?
The driving distance is 2864 mi and the route typically takes 50h 56m 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 Renton compare to New York?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,260 in the Renton MSA vs $59,390 in the New York 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.
How does household income compare in New York vs Renton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $96,626 in Renton vs $79,713 in New York β a 21.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Renton compared to New York?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $764,375 in Renton vs $812,861 in New York β a 6.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from New York.
City profiles: New York, NY Β· Renton, WA.