Alabama to Washington Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Alabama to Washington

ConsAlabama

• High humidity
• Limited public transport
• Fewer cultural events
• Hot summers
• Sparse tech jobs

ProsWashington

• Milder climate
• Efficient transit systems
• Rich cultural scene
• Cooler summers
• High-tech opportunities

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Washington

• Higher cost of living
• Reserved locals
• Rainy winters
• Different culinary scene
• Faster-paced life

Alabama

• Lower cost of living
• Friendly communities
• Mild winters
• Southern cuisine
• Relaxed pace

Pros of moving from Alabama to Washington

• Say goodbye to high humidity and hello to a milder climate
• Look forward to moving away from limited public transport and moving to Washington with efficient transit systems
• Swap the fewer cultural events of Alabama for a rich cultural scene in Washington
• Get ready for cooler summers in Washington

Cons of moving from Alabama to Washington

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a lower cost of living in Alabama to live with a higher cost of living in Washington
• You'll lose out on the pro of friendly communities and have to settle for the con of reserved locals
• Time to bid farewell to mild winters and get used to rainy winters in Washington
• Swap southern cuisine for a different culinary scene

Alabama vs. Washington: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Alabama to Washington, you will be trading the iconic Barbecue Ribs of Alabama for the equally delicious Salmon of Washington. And while the locals in Alabama rave about their flavorful Pulled Pork and sumptuous Fried Green Tomatoes, Washington residents know they have tasty Pho with Beef and Teriyaki to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Black-eyed Peas they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Quinoa Salad of Washington. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Alabama eateries like Saw's BBQ, Highlands Bar and Grill, and The Bright Star. After the boxes are unpacked in Washington, don't wait too long before making your way to Washington's acclaimed eateries like Canlis, The Herb Farm, and Mamnoon.

When comparing lifestyles, Washington shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Alabama. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Washington compared to what you are used to in Alabama. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Washington.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Alabama and Washington

• The Antebellum and Craftsman architecture that Alabama is known for will be replaced with the Northwest Contemporary and Craftsman architecture typical of Washington.
• Compared to Alabama's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and porches, Washington real estate listings often highlight features like eco-friendly amenities and views of nature.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Washington is more walkable than Alabama.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Washington is more bike-friendly than Alabama.
• Washington has more of an urban feel than Alabama.
• Washington housing costs are 162% more expensive than they are in Alabama, with a median home price of $591,148 compared to Alabama’s $226,045.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Washington have increased by 49% compared to a 45% increase in Alabama.
• Rent in Washington is 33.75% more expensive than in Alabama.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Alabama and Washington

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Alabama to Washington. Washington gets 29% fewer sunshine days than Alabama.
• Washington has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Alabama.
• Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and tornadoes in Alabama, but be on the lookout for potential earthquakes and volcanoes in Washington.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Washington is 15 degrees colder than in Alabama.
• The average winter lows in Washington are 1 degree warmer than they are in Alabama.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Washington. Washington receives 18 fewer inches of rain compared to Alabama.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Alabama and Washington

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Washington tend to earn about 53% more than in Alabama
• The COLI in Washington is 14% higher than what you are used to living in Alabama
• Hooray, moving to WA means you'll no longer have state income taxes
• The affluence in Washington is prosperous compared to modest in Alabama
• The poverty level is varied in Washington compared to widespread in Alabama
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Alabama and concerning in Washington

Political and Religious Climate in Alabama vs. Washington

• Alabama tends to lean conservative in its political climate
• Washington, on the other hand, is often described as liberal
• Washington's religious environment can be described as more religiously diverse
• Alabama's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as primarily Christian

Education Guide When Moving from Alabama to Washington

How Much Do Alabama to Washington Movers Cost?

Moving 2,608 miles from Alabama to Washington will typically cost between $4,000 and $9,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.