Moving from Spokane, WA to Renton, WA
It is a 278 mi drive, roughly 5h 8m, between Spokane, WA and Renton, WA. 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.
278 mi Β· 5h 8m by car Β· WA
Distance & route
| Route through | WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, US 395, I 405 |
| Major cities en route | Spokane Valley, Bellevue, Everett, Seattle, Kent |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Spokane | Renton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.346 | 111.133 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 91.196 | 92.814 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.028 | 103.972 | 100.0 |
| Services | 97.059 | 151.314 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 10.7% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 10.7% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $395,325 to $764,375 moving to Renton.
YoY change: Spokane 0.0%, Renton -2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Spokane | Renton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 26Β°F | 37Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 77Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 17.4" | 34.7" |
Annual average temperatures in Spokane (49.8Β°F) and Renton (53.6Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SPOKANE FELTS FLD, WA US, RENTON MUNI AP, WA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Spokane | Renton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 229,228 | 105,279 |
| Median household income | $65,745 | $96,626 |
| Median age | 37.2 | 36.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.5% | 25.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.37 | 2.55 |
Renton households earn about 10.7% more than Spokane at the median β $65,745 β $96,626 on ACS 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.
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.
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.
Frequently asked
Is Renton more expensive than Spokane?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Renton is 10.7% higher than Spokane (111.133 vs 100.346, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Renton compared to Spokane?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $764,375 in Renton vs $395,325 in Spokane β a 93.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Spokane to Renton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 278 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Renton compare to Spokane?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,260 in the Renton MSA vs $48,920 in the Spokane MSA, on total employment of 2,079,090 and 255,160 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Renton, WA from Spokane, WA?
The driving distance is 278 mi and the route typically takes 5h 8m via I 90 and US 395. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Spokane vs Renton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $96,626 in Renton vs $65,745 in Spokane β a 47.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Spokane.
City profiles: Spokane, WA Β· Renton, WA.