Renton
Pop. ~107,000
Kent
Pop. ~137,000
Renton vs Kent:
Affordable Seattle Alternatives
Two vibrant, diverse communities in the Green River Valley. Boeing aerospace or warehouse logistics? Lake Washington views or affordable acreage? Discover which city fits your lifestyle and budget.
Quick Verdict: Which Valley City Wins?
Choose Renton If You...
- Work at Boeing or in aerospace industry
- Want Lake Washington waterfront access
- Prefer proximity to Bellevue tech jobs
- Love upscale shopping at The Landing
- Want an urban-suburban blend
Choose Kent If You...
- Want the lowest home prices in the area
- Work in warehouse/logistics industry
- Need more space and larger lots
- Love hiking the Green River Trail
- Want ShoWare Center entertainment
Cost of Living Comparison
Both cities offer significant savings compared to Seattle. Kent edges out Renton for affordability, but Renton offers more upscale amenities.
Housing Costs Comparison
Median Home Price
Kent WinsRenton
Kent
Kent saves you $100K+ on average purchase price.
Average Rent (2BR)
TieRenton
Kent
Both cities average $500-$600 below Seattle rents.
Property Tax Rate
TieRenton
Kent
Employment & Economy
Both cities are employment powerhouses with distinct industries. Your career path may determine your ideal city.
Renton
Aerospace & Tech Hub
Boeing 737 Assembly
World's largest building by volume. 10,000+ aerospace jobs.
IKEA North America HQ
Corporate headquarters with design and marketing roles.
Tech Proximity
15 minutes to Bellevue tech corridor (Amazon, Meta, Google).
Valley Medical Center
Major healthcare employer with 3,000+ positions.
Unemployment Rate
Kent
Logistics & Distribution Capital
Warehouse District
One of largest distribution networks in Pacific Northwest.
Amazon Fulfillment
Multiple fulfillment centers with thousands of jobs.
Blue Origin
Jeff Bezos' aerospace company headquarters nearby.
REI Distribution
Major outdoor retailer's distribution hub.
Unemployment Rate
Top Industries by Employment
Schools & Education
Both school districts serve diverse student populations with robust support programs. Academic outcomes are comparable.
School District Comparison
Renton School District
B- Grade- 15,000+ students across 28 schools
- Hazen High School - strong academics & sports
- Renton Technical College partnerships
- 76% graduation rate
- Strong ESL and multilingual programs
Kent School District
C+ Grade- 27,000+ students - 4th largest in WA
- Kentwood High School - strong STEM programs
- Kent-Meridian vocational programs
- 74% graduation rate
- 100+ languages represented
Both districts excel in diversity support. Each offers robust ESL programs, free meal programs, and multilingual family services. Neither matches top Eastside districts like Bellevue or Lake Washington, but both provide solid public education options.
Diversity & Community
Both cities rank among the most diverse in Washington State, with no majority ethnic group in either community.
Population Demographics
Renton
Kent
100+ Languages
Spoken across both communities with strong multilingual services
International Cuisine
Vietnamese, Korean, Mexican, Ethiopian, Filipino & more
Cultural Festivals
Year-round celebrations of diverse heritage and traditions
Neighborhoods to Explore
Each city offers distinct neighborhoods with unique character. Swipe through to discover your perfect fit.
R
Renton Neighborhoods
Renton Highlands
Elevated views, newer developments, quick I-405 access. Family-friendly with good schools.
Kennydale
Lake Washington waterfront. Upscale homes, beach access, established community feel.
Downtown Renton
Urban living near The Landing. Walkable, diverse dining, transit access.
Benson Hill
Affordable entry point, growing area with new developments. Good value.
K
Kent Neighborhoods
East Hill
Kent's most established area. Good schools, family-oriented, retail access.
West Hill
Most affordable area, diverse community, close to warehouse jobs.
Downtown Kent
ShoWare Center, revitalizing downtown, transit-oriented development.
Meridian
Southeast Kent, larger lots, quiet suburban feel, newer construction.
Recreation & Lake Access
Renton's Lake Washington access is a major differentiator. Kent counters with extensive trail systems.
Renton
Winner: Lake Access-
Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park
57 acres, swimming beach, fishing pier, boat launch, restaurants
-
Lake Washington Boating
Direct access to 22-mile lake, kayaking, paddleboarding
-
The Landing
Upscale waterfront shopping center with dining
Kent
Winner: Trail System-
Green River Trail
19+ miles of paved trail, connects to regional network
-
ShoWare Center
Seattle Thunderbirds hockey, concerts, events
-
Clark Lake Park
90-acre park with nature trails, playground, sports fields
Which is Better for Families?
Both cities offer excellent family amenities. Your priorities will determine the best fit.
Renton for Families
Kent for Families
Commute to Seattle
Both cities offer reasonable commutes, with Renton having a slight edge for Eastside employment.
To Downtown Seattle
Renton
Kent
To Bellevue
Renton
Kent
To SeaTac Airport
Renton
Kent
Complete Head-to-Head Comparison
| Category | Renton | Kent | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | ~107,000 | ~137,000 | Depends |
| Median Home Price | $650K-$720K | $550K-$620K | Kent |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $1,950/mo | $1,850/mo | Kent |
| School District Grade | B- | C+ | Renton |
| Major Employer | Boeing | Amazon/Warehouses | Depends |
| Lake Access | Lake Washington | None | Renton |
| Trail System | Limited | Green River Trail | Kent |
| Commute to Bellevue | 15-25 min | 25-35 min | Renton |
| Diversity | Very High | Very High | Tie |
| Shopping | The Landing | Kent Station | Renton |
| Entertainment | Waterfront | ShoWare Center | Depends |
| Average Lot Size | Smaller | Larger | Kent |
Overall Score: Renton wins 4 categories, Kent wins 4 categories, 1 tie, 3 depend on preferences.
Your priorities determine the winner!
Final Verdict: Valley Rivals Showdown
R Choose Renton
If you work in aerospace or tech, want Lake Washington access, prefer upscale shopping, or need a quick commute to Bellevue. Renton offers a more polished, urban-suburban experience with waterfront amenities that Kent simply cannot match.
K Choose Kent
If maximizing affordability is your priority, you work in logistics/warehousing, want larger lots and more space, or love trail running and outdoor recreation. Kent offers better value per dollar with the same excellent diversity and family amenities.
Our recommendation: Both cities are excellent affordable alternatives to Seattle.
If budget is equal, Renton's lake access and Bellevue proximity give it a slight edge for most families. But Kent's lower prices mean more house for your money - potentially the difference between a starter home and your dream home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kent is slightly more affordable overall. Median home prices in Kent ($550K-$620K) are $100K+ lower than Renton ($650K-$720K). Rent averages around $1,800-$2,000 for a 2-bedroom in both cities. Both cities offer significant savings compared to Seattle, where median home prices exceed $850K.
Both cities have excellent employment. Renton is home to Boeing's 737 assembly plant (the world's largest building by volume) and IKEA's North American headquarters. Kent has one of the largest warehouse and distribution networks in the Pacific Northwest, including multiple Amazon fulfillment centers. Renton offers more white-collar aerospace jobs; Kent offers more logistics and warehouse positions.
Both school districts are comparable. Renton School District earns a B- grade on Niche, while Kent School District earns a C+ grade. Kent School District is the 4th largest in Washington State with strong programs at Kentwood High School. Renton has standout options like Hazen High School. Both districts are highly diverse and offer robust ESL and support programs.
Yes! Renton has direct access to Lake Washington, with Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park being a crown jewel. This 57-acre waterfront park features swimming beaches, fishing piers, boat launches, restaurants, and stunning views of the Seattle skyline. Kent does not have lake access but offers the extensive Green River Trail system for outdoor recreation, including 19+ miles of paved trails.
Both cities are among the most diverse in Washington State. Renton and Kent each have no majority ethnic group, with significant Asian, Hispanic, Black, and White populations. Over 100 languages are spoken across both communities. This diversity is reflected in excellent international dining, cultural festivals, and inclusive communities. Both school districts excel in multilingual support services.
Both are excellent for families, but with different strengths. Renton offers Lake Washington access, The Landing shopping center, and proximity to Bellevue. Kent offers more affordable housing, larger lots, extensive trail systems, and ShoWare Center entertainment including Seattle Thunderbirds hockey. Choose Renton for lakeside living and tech proximity; choose Kent for affordability and space.
Ready to Make Your Move to the Valley?
Whether you choose Renton's lakeside charm or Kent's affordable spaciousness, Next Phase Moving provides premium moving services throughout South King County. Get your free quote today.
Get Your Free QuoteOr call: (253) 365-4846