City Comparison
Renton vs Pasco
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Pasco scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Renton
Pasco
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Pasco is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
24% lower than in Renton.
Housing costs are a major driver: Renton's average rent is
45% higher than Pasco's.
| Metric | Renton | Pasco | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,100 | $1,450 | +45% |
| Groceries | $480 | $420 | +14% |
| Utilities | $190 | $175 | +9% |
| Transport | $130 | $110 | +18% |
| Healthcare | $260 | $240 | +8% |
| Monthly Total | $3,160 | $2,395 | +32% |
| Cost Index | 135 | 96 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Renton offers 21% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Pasco delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Renton is estimated at
$65,000 vs $52,000 in Pasco.
| Metric | Renton | Pasco |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $78,000 | $64,500 |
| Salary Needed | $65,000 | $52,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 57,778 idx | 67,188 idx |
| Household Income | $92,000 | $74,210 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 3.6°F of each other.
For sunshine, Pasco comes out ahead with 69 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Renton sees 4 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Renton | Pasco |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 54.30°F | 57.90°F |
| Summer High | 77.40°F | 91.70°F |
| Winter Low | 36.60°F | 32.30°F |
| Rainfall | 50.70 in | 11.90 in |
| Snowfall | 10.60 in | 6.60 in |
| Sunny Days | 225 | 294 |
| Humidity | 72.00% | 45.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Pasco has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
4,000 minutes (67 hours) per year compared to Renton.
Renton scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Renton leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Renton | Pasco |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 29 min | 21 min |
| Transit Score | 48.0/100 | 42.0/100 |
| Walkability | 52.0/100 | 40.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 54.00 | 38.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Renton is the larger city
— approximately 1.3x the population of Pasco.
From a growth perspective, Pasco is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Renton has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Renton | Pasco |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,000 | 79,493 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.10% | 2.10% |
| Median Age | 38.0 | 30.5 |
| Unemployment | 4.20% | 4.80% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Renton
Advantages
Strategic Puget Sound location with convenient access to Seattle, Bellevue, and Sea-Tac International Airport
Stunning natural amenities including Lake Washington waterfront access and Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park
Diverse and inclusive community with a rich cultural fabric and active local neighborhoods
Strong local economy anchored by aerospace manufacturing, healthcare, and technology
Vibrant downtown City Centre undergoing continuous revitalization and new dining developments
Drawbacks
Elevated cost of living and housing prices significantly higher than the U.S. national average
Significant traffic congestion along major commuter corridors such as Interstate 405 during peak hours
Higher-than-average property crime rates typical of growing urban and suburban transition zones
Frequent Pacific Northwest overcast weather and high annual rainfall totals
Competitive real estate market making homeownership difficult for middle-income buyers
Pasco
Advantages
Abundant sunshine with approximately 294 sunny days per year supporting an active outdoor lifestyle.
More affordable housing market and overall cost of living compared to coastal Washington cities like Seattle.
Strategic regional location along the Columbia River with robust transportation links via the Tri-Cities Airport and major highways.
Rich cultural diversity highlighted by community festivals, local markets, and a vibrant culinary scene.
Steady economic growth driven by agriculture, manufacturing, and strong regional employment opportunities.
Drawbacks
Hot and dry summer climate with temperatures frequently exceeding 90°F.
Limited public transit walkability outside of specific downtown and newly developed commercial zones.
Housing inventory constraints and rising home prices driven by rapid regional population growth.
Limited nightlife and entertainment options compared to larger metropolitan hubs.
Breezy conditions and occasional high winds typical of the Columbia Basin region.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Renton
#521Washington, USA
51.3 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,100
Avg Salary
$78,000
Cost Index
135
Commute
29 min
Transit Score
48.0/100
Walkability
52.0/100
Sunny Days
225/yr
Avg Temp
54.30°F
Pop. Growth
1.10%
Unemployment
4.20%
Livability
75
Business
72
Pasco
#160Washington, USA
64.8 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,450
Avg Salary
$64,500
Cost Index
96
Commute
21 min
Transit Score
42.0/100
Walkability
40.0/100
Sunny Days
294/yr
Avg Temp
57.90°F
Pop. Growth
2.10%
Unemployment
4.80%
Livability
74
Business
70
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