Cost of Living in Renton, WA

With a cost of living index of 150, Renton, WA is one of the most expensive cities in the United States. Living here is 50% more expensive than the national average and 30% above the Washington state average of 119. As a major city with a population of 105,279, Renton offers a wide range of housing options, employment opportunities, and urban amenities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Renton's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,923 (46% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $631,400 (107% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 6.5x the median household income — a challenging ratio that puts homeownership out of reach for many residents.

The median household income in Renton is $96,626, which is 29% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 24% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. While incomes are above average, they do not fully offset the higher cost of living.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Renton. The area sees an average annual temperature of 53.6°F, with summers averaging 66°F and winters around 43°F. Annual rainfall totals 34.7 inches spread over roughly 153 days.

Everyday prices in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area tend to run above the national average. Out of 6 common grocery and utility items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 5 are priced higher than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.