California to Washington Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from California to Washington

ConsCalifornia

• High cost of living
• Heavy traffic
• Wildfires
• Drought conditions
• High taxes

ProsWashington

• More affordable housing
• Less congestion
• Fewer natural disasters
• Fresher water supply
• No state income tax

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Washington

• More rain
• Less cultural diversity
• Fewer tech opportunities
• Varying school quality
• Fewer fine dining options

California

• Sunny weather
• Diverse culture
• Tech industry
• Excellent education
• World-class dining

Pros of moving from California to Washington

• Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to more affordable housing
• Look forward to moving away from heavy traffic and moving to Washington with less congestion
• Swap the wildfires of California for fewer natural disasters in Washington
• Get ready for a fresher water supply in Washington

Cons of moving from California to Washington

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from sunny weather in California to live with more rain in Washington
• You'll lose out on the pro of diverse culture and have to settle for the con of less cultural diversity
• Time to bid farewell to the tech industry and get used to fewer tech opportunities in Washington
• Swap excellent education for varying school quality

California vs. Washington: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from California to Washington, you will be trading the iconic Fish Tacos of California for the equally delicious Salmon of Washington. And while the locals in California rave about their flavorful Tri-tip BBQ and sumptuous Tacos, Washington residents know they have tasty Geoduck and Teriyaki to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Avocado Toast 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 California eateries like Nopa, The French Laundry, and Animal. After the boxes are unpacked in Washington, don't wait too long before making your way to Washington's acclaimed eateries like Canlis, The Herbfarm, and Mamnoon.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between California and Washington

• The Spanish Colonial and Modern architecture that California is known for will be replaced with the Northwest Craftsman and Contemporary architecture typical of Washington.
• Compared to California's real estate listings that commonly reference ocean views and solar panels, Washington real estate listings often highlight features like energy efficiency and natural scenery.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Washington is more walkable than California.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Washington is more bike-friendly than California.
• Washington has less of an urban feel than California.
• Washington housing costs are 25% less expensive than they are in California, with a median home price of $591,148 compared to California’s $783,666.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Washington have increased by 49% compared to a 42% increase in California.
• Rent in Washington is 27.68% more affordable than in California.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from California to Washington. Washington gets 46% fewer sunshine days than California.
• Washington has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to California.
• Say goodbye to the possible earthquakes and wildfires in California, but be on the lookout for potential volcanoes and earthquakes in Washington.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Washington is 9 degrees colder than in California.
• The average winter lows are 7 degrees colder than they are in California.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Washington. Washington receives 16 more inches of rain compared to California.

Financial & Community Snapshot: California and Washington

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Washington tend to earn about 0% less than in California
• The COLI in Washington is 24% lower than what you are used to living in California
• Hooray, moving to WA means you'll no longer have state income taxes
• The affluence in Washington is moderate compared to high in California
• The poverty level is moderate in Washington compared to moderate in California
• In terms of homelessness, it is severe in California and significant in Washington

Political and Religious Climate in California vs. Washington

• California tends to lean Liberal in its political climate
• Washington, on the other hand, is often described as Liberal, especially in urban areas with a mix in rural locations
• Washington's religious environment can be described as primarily Christian, with a significant non-affiliated and other religions presence
• California's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as diverse, with Christianity being the largest, followed by non-affiliated and other faiths

Education Guide When Moving from California to Washington

How Much Do California to Washington Movers Cost?

Moving 954 miles from California to Washington will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.