Moving from Renton, WA to New York, NY

A 2864 mi cross-country move between Renton and New York is 50h 56m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 12 states. Nearly every household line β€” rent, taxes, climate, commute β€” usually shifts. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data to make those differences visible on a single screen.

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

COL +1.3% Home values +6.3% Ξ” +1.9Β°F annual

Distance & route

Driving
2864 mi
Drive time
50h 56m
States
12
Fuel (25 mpg)
115 gal
Route throughNY β†’ NJ β†’ PA β†’ OH β†’ IN β†’ IL β†’ WI β†’ MN β†’ ND β†’ MT β†’ ID β†’ WA
Primary highwaysI 90, I 94, I 80
Major cities en routeNewark, Jersey City, Elizabeth, Yonkers, Paterson

Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.

Cost of living

RentonNew YorkU.S. avg
All items (RPP)111.133112.563100.0
Rents92.814127.018100.0
Goods103.972110.261100.0
Services151.314148.616100.0

No material COL gap at the headline level β€” BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).

Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.

Housing prices

Renton β€” typical home
$764,375
New York β€” typical home
$812,861
Renton β€” typical rent
$2,149/mo
New York β€” typical rent
$3,811/mo

Housing comes in 1.3% above Renton β€” $764,375 β†’ $812,861 on the latest ZHVI.

YoY change: Renton -2.1%, New York +4.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.

Climate

1991–2020 normalsRentonNew York
Annual avg temperature54Β°F56Β°F
January avg low37Β°F28Β°F
July avg high77Β°F85Β°F
Annual snowfallβ€”24.5"
Annual precipitation34.7"47.1"

No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.

Heavy-snow city: expect 24.5 in of snowfall annually at New York.

Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: RENTON MUNI AP, WA US, NY AVE V BROOKLYN, NY US).

Demographics

ACS 5-year 2023RentonNew York
Population105,2798,516,202
Median household income$96,626$79,713
Median age36.538
Bachelor's degree or higher25.4%23.6%
Avg household size2.552.57

Households in New York earn about 1.3% less at the median β€” ACS 5-year 2023.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.

Jobs & wages

Renton MSA β€” median wage
$65,260
New York MSA β€” median wage
$59,390
Renton MSA β€” employment
2,079,090
New York MSA β€” employment
9,495,240

Top occupations in New York MSA

OccupationEmploymentMedian wage
Office and Administrative Support Occupations 1,165,200 $50,760
Sales and Related Occupations 806,590 $46,160
Transportation and Material Moving Occupations 755,900 $44,800
Healthcare Support Occupations 755,280 $37,670
Business and Financial Operations Occupations 725,930 $100,940

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.

Moving between Washington and New York

Washington income tax
no state income tax
New York income tax
10.9% top marginal

State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New York'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 20–30% 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

  • Winter gear first: New York averages 24.5 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β€” pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
  • 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 New York after establishing residency.

Frequently asked

How does household income compare in Renton vs New York?

Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $79,713 in New York vs $96,626 in Renton β€” a 17.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.

How does the job market in New York compare to Renton?

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the New York MSA vs $65,260 in the Renton MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 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 New York?

Moving companies usually charge 20–30% 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 New York, NY from Renton, WA?

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.

Is New York more expensive than Renton?

Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in New York is 1.3% higher than Renton (112.563 vs 111.133, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.

How much do homes cost in New York compared to Renton?

Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $812,861 in New York vs $764,375 in Renton β€” a 6.3% higher 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· New York, NY.

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