Moving from Renton, WA to Fresno, CA
Relocating 913 mi from Renton to Fresno is a 17h 37m drive through 3 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
913 mi Β· 17h 37m by car Β· CA β OR β WA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA β OR β WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 5, CA 99, I 405 |
| Major cities en route | Clovis, Modesto, Stockton, Antioch, Elk Grove |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Renton | Fresno | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 111.133 | 102.158 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 92.814 | 161.01 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.972 | 105.168 | 100.0 |
| Services | 151.314 | 95.725 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 8.1% moving from Renton to Fresno β meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $764,375 in Renton to $391,328 in Fresno, a 8.1% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Renton -2.1%, Fresno +0.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Renton | Fresno |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54Β°F | 65Β°F |
| January avg low | 37Β°F | 41Β°F |
| July avg high | 77Β°F | 98Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 34.7" | 11.0" |
Expect 11.4Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Fresno sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: RENTON MUNI AP, WA US, FRESNO YOSEMITE INTL AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Renton | Fresno |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 105,279 | 543,615 |
| Median household income | $96,626 | $66,804 |
| Median age | 36.5 | 32.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.4% | 16.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.55 | 3.03 |
Expect median household income to fall 8.1% β $96,626 β $66,804 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Fresno MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 46,600 | $45,210 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 40,930 | $38,480 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 35,500 | $32,240 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 33,440 | $33,710 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 32,010 | $59,270 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Washington and California
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check California'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
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
- 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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Fresno average 98Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Fresno sees only 11.0 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (11.4Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Wildfire season in California typically peaks July through October β register for county emergency alerts during unpack.
- 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 California after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Fresno, CA from Renton, WA?
The driving distance is 913 mi and the route typically takes 17h 37m via I 5 and CA 99. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Renton vs Fresno?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $66,804 in Fresno vs $96,626 in Renton β a 30.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Fresno more expensive than Renton?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Fresno is 8.1% lower than Renton (102.158 vs 111.133, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Fresno compare to Renton?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,530 in the Fresno MSA vs $65,260 in the Renton MSA, on total employment of 408,820 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 Renton to Fresno?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 913 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 Fresno compared to Renton?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $391,328 in Fresno vs $764,375 in Renton β a 48.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Renton.
City profiles: Renton, WA Β· Fresno, CA.