Cost of Living in Renton, WA
Population 105,279 · Washington · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Home prices in Renton run well above the national baseline, with a median of $631,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $96,626 place the city among the better-paid Washington metros.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Renton
The median home value in Renton is $631,400 — 107% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,923/month, 46% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $96,626/year is 30% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.5%, below the national average of 4.8%. Washington charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 61.4°F and lows of 45.9°F. Overall, Renton has a cost of living index of 183 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 83% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 48 | 50 | 55 | 60 | 66 | 71 | 77 | 78 | 72 | 61 | 52 | 47 |
| Low °F | 37 | 37 | 40 | 43 | 49 | 54 | 58 | 57 | 53 | 46 | 40 | 37 |
| Precip" | 4.93 | 3.21 | 3.74 | 2.83 | 1.86 | 1.47 | 0.60 | 0.89 | 1.53 | 3.49 | 5.61 | 4.53 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Renton, WA?
Renton has a cost index of 183 (100 = national average). It is 83% above the national average.
What is average rent in Renton, WA?
The median gross rent in Renton is $1,923 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Renton?
The median home value in Renton is $631,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Renton?
The median household income in Renton is $96,626 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Renton, WA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Renton is 9.2%. Washington has no state income tax.
Is Renton, WA affordable?
Renton is above average in cost of living, with an index of 183 — about 83% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Renton?
Renton has average high temperatures of 61.4°F and average lows of 45.9°F. Annual precipitation is 34.7". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Renton at a Glance
- Population
- 105,279
- Median Income
- $96,626
- Home Value
- $631,400
- Median Rent
- $1,923/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.5%
- Avg High Temp
- 61.4°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.2%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Washington Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs