Planning a 954 mile interstate move from California to Washington? This moving guide will help you compare living in California vs Washington across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons, food & health (like Fish Tacos vs Salmon), real estate & housing (spanish colonial, modern vs northwest craftsman, contemporary), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in California), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
Say goodbye to Fish Tacos and Tri-tip BBQ, but get your taste buds ready
for Salmon & Geoduck
Washington housing costs are 25% less expensive than they are in California
Rent in Washington is 27.68% more affordable than in California
Moving from California to Washington will cost on average between $1,500 - $6,000
Best moving company overall for California to Washington
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Pure Moving
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Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc.
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California vs. Washington: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison
California
Washington
Most iconic local food item
Fish Tacos
Salmon
Most popular meat dish
Tri-tip BBQ
Geoduck
Most popular street food item
Tacos
Teriyaki
Most popular vegan food
Avocado Toast
Quinoa Salad
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
Nopa
The French Laundry
Animal
Canlis
The Herbfarm
Mamnoon
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
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Abundance of Food Trucks
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Foodie Scene
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Vegan Friendly
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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 Californiaβs $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
Comparison
California
Washington
Avg. Household Income
$91,551
$91,306
Cost of Living Index
136.4
104.1
State Income Tax
13.3%
0%
Avg. Property Tax
0.77%
0.93%
Avg. Sales Tax
8.82%
9.23%
Top 3 Industries
Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture
Aerospace, Technology, Forestry
Affluence
High
Moderate
Poverty
Moderate
Moderate
Homelessness
Severe
Significant
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
Comparison
California
Washington
Political Make-up
Liberal, with a strong Democratic presence
Liberal, especially in urban areas with a mix in rural locations
Local Politics
Focus on environmental policies, social issues
Progressive with a strong emphasis on tech and environmental sustainability
Religion
Diverse; Christianity largest, followed by non-affiliated, other faiths
Primarily Christian, but a significant non-affiliated and other religions presence
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
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.
Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,000
Expected Time To Complete: 2-7 days
Most Affordable Recommended Movers: CC Relocation, Inc.
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