Moving from Sparks, NV to Kent, WA
A move from Sparks, NV to Kent, WA covers 711 mi and around 14h 32m of driving through 4 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
711 mi Β· 14h 32m by car Β· WA β OR β CA β NV
Distance & route
| Route through | WA β OR β CA β NV |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 5, US 395, OR 58 |
| Major cities en route | Seattle, Bellevue, Renton, Tacoma, Vancouver |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Sparks | Kent | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 101.014 | 111.133 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.274 | 92.814 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.271 | 103.972 | 100.0 |
| Services | 123.478 | 151.314 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Kent is 10.0% higher than Sparks, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Kent is 10.0% above Sparks β $529,283 vs $656,314 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Sparks -0.5%, Kent -2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Sparks | Kent |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 25Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 78Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 6.8" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 8.4" | 40.1" |
Annual average temperatures in Sparks (53.5Β°F) and Kent (53.8Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SPARKS, NV US, KENT, WA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Sparks | Kent |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 109,106 | 135,015 |
| Median household income | $86,979 | $90,416 |
| Median age | 36.9 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 21.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.64 | 2.89 |
Median household incomes in Sparks ($86,979) and Kent ($90,416) are within a few percent (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Kent 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 Nevada 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
- 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.
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
- I-80 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter storms.
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
How does household income compare in Sparks vs Kent?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $90,416 in Kent vs $86,979 in Sparks β a 4.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Kent compared to Sparks?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $656,314 in Kent vs $529,283 in Sparks β a 24.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Kent, WA from Sparks, NV?
The driving distance is 711 mi and the route typically takes 14h 32m via I 5 and US 395. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Kent compare to Sparks?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,260 in the Kent MSA vs $47,540 in the Sparks MSA, on total employment of 2,079,090 and 254,100 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Sparks to Kent?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 711 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Kent more expensive than Sparks?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Kent is 10.0% higher than Sparks (111.133 vs 101.014, 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 Sparks.
City profiles: Sparks, NV Β· Kent, WA.