Renton, WA vs Richland, WA

The cost of living difference between Renton, WA and Richland, WA is dramatic. Richland is 36% cheaper than Renton, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Renton has a cost index of 150 while Richland sits at 110, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Renton is $1,923/month compared to $1,397/month in Richland — a 38% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Richland is more affordable at $401,800 median vs $631,400.

Median household income in Renton is $96,626 compared to $92,550 in Richland (+4.4%). Renton does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Renton spend roughly 23.9% of their income on rent, more than the 18.1% in Richland.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (53.6°F vs 53.3°F). Renton receives more rainfall at 34.7" per year compared to 7.6" in Richland.