Redmond, WA vs. Renton, WA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Imagine two families: the Redmonds and the Rentons. Both are considering a move to the Seattle suburbs, but they’re torn between the cities that share their names. Let’s peek at their budgets:
The Redmonds find a cozy 2BR apartment for $2,400/month. Groceries run them about $800/month.
Meanwhile, the Rentons snag a similar place for just $2,100/month. Their grocery bill? Around $750.
Of course, there’s more to the cost of living than rent and food. But this quick comparison illustrates how your choice of suburb can make a real impact on your budget. In this article, we’ll dive into the key differences between the cost of living in Redmond and Renton.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest line item in a household budget. Here’s how typical costs compare in Redmond vs Renton:
| Housing Type | Redmond | Renton |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Monthly Rent) | $2,400 | $2,100 |
| 3BR House (Median Price) | $1.2M | $900K |
🏆 Winner: Renton. You’ll generally pay about 10-20% less for housing in Renton compared to Redmond.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities. Expect to pay around $200-250/month for electricity, water, and gas in a typical apartment. Larger homes will run $300+, especially in winter when heating needs rise.
Both cities offer some relief via “time of use” plans that discount electricity during off-peak hours. But overall, utility costs are comparable.
🏆 Winner: Tie. No significant difference in utility pricing between Redmond and Renton.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Groceries will cost about 5% less in Renton compared to Redmond, based on typical household spending. For a family of 4, that’s a savings of around $50/month, or $600/year on food alone.
Other daily expenses like gas, childcare, and entertainment tend to be a bit lower in Renton as well, thanks to the slightly lower cost of living overall.
🏆 Winner: Renton, but not by a huge margin. Expect to save around 5-10% on groceries and daily expenses.
4. Taxes and Fees
Property taxes are actually a bit higher in Renton: the rate is around 1.1% vs 0.9% in Redmond. But because home values are lower in Renton, the typical homeowner still pays less in total property taxes.
As for other taxes and fees, the two cities are fairly comparable. Both have a local sales tax around 10%, on top of the statewide rate of 6.5%. Vehicle registration fees, park passes, and other nickel-and-dime costs are similar.
🏆 Winner: Renton. Lower home values make up for a slightly higher property tax rate. Other taxes and fees are a wash.
5. Cost Summary Table
| Category | Redmond | Renton |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (2BR Rent) | $2,400 | $2,100 |
| Utilities | $250 | $250 |
| Groceries | $800 | $750 |
| Transportation | $200 | $180 |
| Taxes (Property) | 0.9% | 1.1% |
| Misc Expenses | $500 | $450 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $4,150 | $3,730 |
All income figures are expressed in gross monthly income (pre-tax). Keep in mind these are estimates based on typical household spending in each category.
6. Lifestyle Fit
Redmond offers more space and a suburban feel, but comes with longer commutes to Seattle. Renton is a bit more walkable and transit-friendly, but homes are smaller and lots are narrower.
Redmond is about 5°F colder than Renton in winter, thanks to slightly higher elevation. But both cities get their share of chilly, rainy days.
Renton has more public transportation options, while Redmond is more car-dependent. But both are typical suburbs where most errands require a vehicle.
7. FAQ
Q: Is Redmond more affordable than Renton?
A: No, Renton is generally more affordable. Housing costs about 10-20% less in Renton, and other expenses tend to be a bit lower as well.
Q: Which city has lower rent?
A: Renton. A typical 2BR apartment rents for around $2,100/month in Renton, compared to $2,400/month in Redmond.
Q: Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
A: Renton. The median price for a 3BR house is around $900K in Renton, while a similar home in Redmond runs about $1.2M.
8. Conclusion
Overall, Renton offers a lower cost of living than Redmond. Housing is the biggest difference, with costs around 10-20% less in Renton. Utilities are a tie, while groceries, daily expenses, and taxes tilt slightly in Renton’s favor as well.
For a family looking to trim costs, Renton is the clear winner. According to our estimates, a household moving from Redmond to Renton could save over $400/month on housing and other expenses.
However, Redmond may still be worth the premium for those who value space over savings. It offers larger homes and lots, along with highly-rated schools and parks.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your budget and lifestyle priorities. Be sure to check out our other cost of living breakdowns for cities across Washington state.