Moving To Washington State: A Complete Guide

Are you considering moving to Washington state? You aren’t alone. The state ranks in the top 10 for population growth over the past two decades. It also ranks among the best places to live in the U.S.

As you keep reading, you’ll learn it’s easy to see why so many people want to call this state home. But with any move comes a lot of decisions and challenges. It’s important to consider all your options, know what life will be like in your new state, and prepare for moving into a new house.

Moving To Washington State: Key Statistics To Keep In Mind

Before relocating to Washington or buying a house there, it’s important to know some of the state’s key statistics.

• Population: 7,785,786
• Household income: $82,400
• Median home sold price: $532,276
• Median monthly rental price: $1,439
• Unemployment rate: 6%
• Poverty rate: 9%

What Else To Know About Living In Washington State

There are many factors to consider anytime you’re planning a move, whether it’s to Washington state or anywhere else. Here are a few special considerations specific to Washington.

Cost Of Living

Washington is the 13th most expensive place in the country, according to a study from the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center. Its cost of living is about 14% higher than the United States overall. Your cost of living will depend on where in the state you live. While certain parts of Washington will be even cheaper than the state’s national average, others will be more expensive. For example, Seattle tops the list as one of the most expensive places in the United States to live.

Lifestyle And Culture

The state is a melting pot of many different cultures, including large Asian, Scandinavian and Native American communities. The lifestyle and culture in Washington varies significantly depending on where in the state you choose to live.

The state is home to cities like Seattle for anyone who wants to enjoy an urban lifestyle. At the same time, the state’s residents live relatively laid-back lifestyles and place a lot of importance on the outdoors. Some of the most popular activities are hiking, kayaking, fishing and more. It’s easy to see why, given the beautiful scenery in the state.

In addition to outdoor recreation, many Washington residents enjoy its thriving art scene. The state – and the entire region, for that matter – is home to many creatives.

Job Market

As with its culture, Washington's major industries are a true melting pot. On one end of the spectrum, Washington is home to a large tech scene, including companies like Amazon and Microsoft.

On the other end of the spectrum, Washington is a haven for natural resources. First, given that more than half the state is covered in forests, lumber is one of its biggest industries. Other popular industries include agriculture, fishing and mining.

Washington’s unemployment rate is slightly higher than the national average – 4.6% compared to 3.6%. However, incomes are also higher. The state’s median household income of $82,400 is about 18% higher than the national average.

Income, Sales And Property Taxes

Washington is unique because it is one of only a handful of states that doesn’t have a state income tax. As a result, more of your income goes into your pocket. However, that doesn’t mean Washington residents don’t pay taxes.

Washington has one of the highest average combined state and local sales tax rates. The state sales tax is 6.5%. And when you add local sales tax rates, the average Washingtonian pays roughly 9.29% in taxes on their purchases.

Washington is near the middle of the pack when it comes to property tax rates. The state’s effective real estate tax rate is 0.94%, and the average property tax bill is roughly $3,752 (based on the state’s median home value).

Climate

Washington has a relatively mild climate that’s shaped by several factors, including its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, its terrain (including the presence of the Cascade Mountains) and its pressure systems.

Western Washington – meaning the area to the west of the Cascade Mountains – rarely experiences extreme temperatures. This region is home to Washington’s largest cities, including Seattle, Tacoma and Olympia. Summers here usually bring temperatures in the 70s, while winter days typically stay in the 40s or higher (though it can be colder at night).

Eastern Washington has warmer summers and colder winters than Western Washington.

Washington is known for its rainy climate. And while it’s true that it does rain often, especially in the winter, it’s a misnomer that the state gets more rain than other places. In fact, Washington doesn’t even rank in the top half of states for rainfall.

Pros And Cons Of Moving To Washington State

Living in Washington comes with some major advantages, but it also has some downsides. Below are some of the pros and cons you should consider before planning your move.

Pros

Here are some of the most significant advantages of living in Washington state:

• Mountainous scenery and forests: Much of Washington has a truly breathtaking landscape. The Cascade Mountains run along the western part of the state, separating the two parts of the state. The mountain range is home to the well-known Mt. Rainier. The Olympic Mountains are also in Washington, to the west of Seattle and along the Pacific coast. These mountains bring plenty of outdoor recreation, including hiking and biking.
• Renowned national parks: Washington is home to three national parks: Mount Rainier National Park, North Cascades National Park and Olympic National Park. Not only do these parks bring plenty of recreational activities for the residents of Washington, but they also attract lots of tourism to the state.
• Environmental efforts: A study by MPH Online found Washington to be the greenest state in the United States based on green energy prevalence, open spaces and natural beauty, waste diversion and recycling, and social justice and access to clean outdoors. The state ranks among the highest for its environmental efforts by citizens, and about 36% of the state is protected land owned by the federal government.
• Lack of state income tax: One of the factors that most excite people moving to Washington is the lack of a state income tax. That means less of your money is going to the government and more of it is staying on your paycheck.
• Moderate climate: Washington is a great option for people who don’t like extreme weather. Parts of the state – especially the western part – rarely experience extreme temperatures. Both summers and winters are mild.

Cons

Before moving to Washington, it’s also important to consider the downsides.

• Low home affordability: Washington is one of the states with the lowest home affordability. The average home price is about 51% higher than the national average. And when you venture into cities like Seattle, the average home price is more than twice the national average.
• Relatively high sales tax: As we mentioned, Washington has one of the highest combined state and local sales tax rates. Sales taxes may be as low as 6.5% in some parts of the state (which is still quite high). And in areas where local governments charge their own sales tax, the rate can get as high as 9.29%.
• Threat of natural disasters: Washington residents are at risk of several different natural disasters. Avalanches are the natural disaster that has killed the most people in Washington. Others that can happen in the state include drought, earthquakes, flooding, landslides, wildfires and tsunamis.
• Overcast weather: As we’ve mentioned, Washington isn’t even near the top of the list when it comes to rainfall. However, it has a reputation as being rainy for a reason. The state is cloudy most days. Seattle, for example, is the cloudiest city in the lower 48 states and has cloud cover for roughly 226 days per year.

Tips To Prepare For Your Move To Washington State

Before making your big move to Washington, make sure you’re prepared. Below are a few steps to take as you’re planning to move to your new home.

Research First-Time Home Buyer Assistance

As we’ve mentioned, homes in Washington are more expensive than the national average. However, there are ways to reduce your costs. There are programs designed for first-time home buyers in Washington state that can assist with down payment and closing costs.

As an added bonus, you don’t actually have to be a first-time home buyer to use them. Many programs consider a first-time home buyer as someone who hasn’t owned a home in the past 3 years.

Consider Some Of Washington State’s Best Cities

One of the most important steps in planning your move will be choosing where exactly in Washington to live. Washington is diverse in terrain, culture and more. As a result, there are vast differences between its different cities and regions. You can find anything from small rural towns to mountainous towns to suburbs to major cities.

Some of Washington state’s best places to live include:

• Seattle
• Tacoma
• Olympia
• Spokane
• Bellevue
• Camas
• Cottage Lake
• Silver Firs
• Bainbridge Island
• Eastmont

No matter what type of lifestyle you’re looking for, there will be a city or town in Washington that is exactly what you’re looking for.

Make A Moving-Out-Of-State Plan

There’s a lot of planning that goes into moving out of state – even more than just planning a move within the same state. You’ll need to cover the basics, such as securing housing, changing your address, setting up utilities and more.

But with moving out of state, there are other considerations. For example, you’ll have to update your driver's license and vehicle registration to reflect your new state.

Additionally, you may need to update your insurance coverages to account for the common hazards in your new state or to comply with your new state’s laws.

Prepare For The Cost Of Moving

Moving is almost always expensive, but it’s even more so when you’re moving out of state. Depending on how much you have and whether you hire a company to help with your move, your moving costs could range from a couple of thousand dollars to nearly $10,000.

Some of the factors that impact your costs of moving include:

• Whether you hire professional movers or DIY
• The number of belongings you’re moving
• The time of year you’re moving
• The type of moving supplies you need

It’s best to start budgeting and saving for your move as early as possible. This will help to ensure you have enough money set aside and your move won’t add any additional stress.

Secure Local Employment

Chances are that you’ll want to secure employment in your new home before you get there. After all, Washington is a high-cost-of-living state, meaning it’s important to have a reliable source of income.

There are plenty of job opportunities in Washington in a variety of industries, so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. And if you currently have a remote job, you may even be able to bring your current job with you.

Find Your New Home

Whether you’re renting an apartment or buying a home, be sure to arrange your housing before you move to the state. If you’re moving to the state, you might choose to find and buy a house ahead of time. On the other hand, you might decide to temporarily rent an apartment and start your home search when you get there.

Moving To Washington State: FAQs

Are you considering moving to Washington? Here are some of the most frequently asked questions on the topic.

What is the quality of life like in Washington state?

Washington state has an excellent quality of life for many people. The state is among the safest in the country. It’s a highly educated community with a high median household income. And thanks to the scenic views and moderate weather, it’s easy to be outside often.

What is a livable salary in Washington state?

A livable salary in Washington state depends partially on where you live. While the state has an above-average cost of living, it could be considerably higher or lower depending on the city and the part of the state where you live.

According to MIT’s Living Wage Calculator, a living wage for a single adult with no children is $19.58 per hour. Meanwhile, a living wage for a family with two adults and two children where both adults work is $33.34 per hour.

Are people happy living in Washington state?

According to a WalletHub study, Washington ranks among the middle of states for happiness. It ranks relatively low for emotional and physical well-being but ranks highly for both work environment and community environment.

The Bottom Line

Washington has a lot to offer its residents, from its scenic mountain views to its moderate climate to its high median household income.

If you’re planning a move to Washington, start planning for your new home early. Consider applying for a mortgage approval with Rocket Mortgage^® right away so you can find out how much house you can afford and start shopping for your next home.