City Comparison
Renton vs Vancouver
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Vancouver scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Renton
Vancouver
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Vancouver is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
12% lower than in Renton.
Housing costs are a major driver: Renton's average rent is
20% higher than Vancouver's.
| Metric | Renton | Vancouver | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,100 | $1,750 | +20% |
| Groceries | $480 | $450 | +7% |
| Utilities | $190 | $190 | 0% |
| Transport | $130 | $130 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $260 | $260 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $3,160 | $2,780 | +14% |
| Cost Index | 135 | 108 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Renton offers 15% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Vancouver delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Renton is estimated at
$65,000 vs $58,000 in Vancouver.
| Metric | Renton | Vancouver |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $78,000 | $68,000 |
| Salary Needed | $65,000 | $58,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 57,778 idx | 62,963 idx |
| Household Income | $92,000 | $78,000 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 1.3°F of each other.
For sunshine, Vancouver comes out ahead with 18 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Renton sees 2.4 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Renton | Vancouver |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 54.30°F | 55.60°F |
| Summer High | 77.40°F | 80.90°F |
| Winter Low | 36.60°F | 37.00°F |
| Rainfall | 50.70 in | 50.60 in |
| Snowfall | 10.60 in | 8.20 in |
| Sunny Days | 225 | 243 |
| Humidity | 72.00% | 72.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Vancouver has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
1,500 minutes (25 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 | Vancouver |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 29 min | 26 min |
| Transit Score | 48.0/100 | 42.0/100 |
| Walkability | 52.0/100 | 44.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 54.00 | 52.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Vancouver is the larger city
— approximately 0.5x the population of Renton.
From a growth perspective, Vancouver 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 | Vancouver |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,000 | 197,000 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.10% | 1.40% |
| Median Age | 38.0 | 37.5 |
| Unemployment | 4.20% | 4.50% |
| 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
Vancouver
Advantages
No Washington state personal income tax, providing significant financial savings for residents.
Thriving waterfront district featuring award-winning dining, parks, and community spaces.
Proximity to Portland, Oregon, offering easy access to major metropolitan amenities and arts.
Abundant outdoor recreation opportunities including the Columbia River and nearby Cascade Mountains.
Strong job market growth in healthcare, technology, and manufacturing sectors.
Drawbacks
Significant traffic congestion during peak commuting hours across the I-5 and I-205 bridges.
Rising housing and rental costs driven by high regional demand and population growth.
Moderate public transit and walkability scores outside the immediate downtown core.
Higher-than-average sales tax rates compared to some neighboring states.
Overcast and rainy weather conditions during the extended autumn and winter seasons.
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
Vancouver
#362Washington, USA
59.7 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,750
Avg Salary
$68,000
Cost Index
108
Commute
26 min
Transit Score
42.0/100
Walkability
44.0/100
Sunny Days
243/yr
Avg Temp
55.60°F
Pop. Growth
1.40%
Unemployment
4.50%
Livability
76
Business
71
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