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Massachusetts to Washington Moving Guide

Updated June 11, 2025

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Planning a 2,961 mile interstate move from Massachusetts to Washington? This moving guide will help you compare living in Massachusetts vs Washington across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs mild winters), food & health (like Clam Chowder vs Salmon), real estate & housing (colonial, cape cod vs craftsman, modern), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Massachusetts), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Clam Chowder and Roast Beef Sandwich, but get your taste buds ready for Salmon & Pho
  • Washington housing costs are 3% less expensive than they are in Massachusetts
  • Rent in Washington is 22.34% more affordable than in Massachusetts
  • Moving from Massachusetts to Washington will cost on average between $3,000 - $10,500
  • Our top recommended Massachusetts to Washington movers is Paradise Moving & Storage

Massachusetts to Washington Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Massachusetts to Washington

ConsMassachusetts iconMassachusetts
  • Harsh winters
  • High cost of living
  • Traffic congestion
  • Limited outdoor activities
ProsWashington iconWashington
  • Mild winters
  • Relatively affordable
  • Less crowded roads
  • Scenic nature spots

Washington iconWashington
  • Less historical sites
  • Fewer top-tier schools
  • Less cultural variety
  • Limited transit systems
Massachusetts iconMassachusetts
  • Rich history
  • World-class universities
  • Cultural diversity
  • Public transit options

Pros of moving from Massachusetts to Washington

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to mild winters
  • Look forward to moving away from the high cost of living and moving to Washington with relatively affordable options
  • Swap the traffic congestion of Massachusetts for less crowded roads in Washington
  • Get ready for scenic nature spots in Washington

Cons of moving from Massachusetts to Washington

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the rich history in Massachusetts to live with fewer historical sites in Washington
  • You'll lose out on the pro of world-class universities and have to settle for the con of fewer top-tier schools
  • Time to bid farewell to cultural diversity and get used to less cultural variety in Washington
  • Swap public transit options for limited transit systems

Massachusetts vs. Washington: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonMassachusettsWashington
Most iconic local food itemClam ChowderSalmon
Most popular meat dishRoast Beef SandwichPho
Most popular street food itemLobster RollTeriyaki
Most popular vegan foodQuinoa SaladBeyond Sushi
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Neptune Oyster
  • Uni
  • Santarpio's Pizza
  • Canlis
  • The Herbfarm
  • Mamnoon
Fitness/Health ConscientiousnessπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from Massachusetts to Washington, you will be trading the iconic Clam Chowder of Massachusetts for the equally delicious Salmon of Washington. And while the locals in Massachusetts rave about their flavorful Roast Beef Sandwich and sumptuous Lobster Roll, Washington residents know they have tasty Pho and Teriyaki to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Quinoa Salad they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Beyond Sushi of Washington. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Massachusetts eateries like Neptune Oyster, Uni, and Santarpio's Pizza. 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 a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Massachusetts. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Washington compared to what you are used to in Massachusetts. Also, the overall foodie scene is similarly bustling in Washington.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Massachusetts and Washington

ComparisonMassachusettsWashington
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, Cape CodCraftsman, Modern
WalkabilityπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘Ÿ
Bikeability🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban LifestyleπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈ
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingClose to schools, Historic charmEco-friendly features, Proximity to nature
  • The Colonial and Cape Cod architecture that Massachusetts is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman and Modern architecture typical of Washington.
  • Compared to Massachusetts's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to schools and historic charm, Washington real estate listings often highlight features like eco-friendly aspects and proximity to nature.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Washington is more walkable than Massachusetts.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Washington is more bike-friendly than Massachusetts.
  • Washington has less of an urban feel than Massachusetts.
  • Washington housing costs are 3% less expensive than they are in Massachusetts, with a median home price of $591,148 compared to Massachusetts’s $612,509.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Washington have increased by 49% compared to a 46% increase in Massachusetts.
  • Rent in Washington is 22.34% more affordable than in Massachusetts.

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

ComparisonMassachusettsWashington
Days of Sunshine per Yearβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈ
Avg. Annual HumidityπŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦
Avg. UV IndexπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈ
Natural DisastersNor'easters, BlizzardsVolcanoes, Earthquakes
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)80Β°F / 60Β°F75Β°F / 55Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)37Β°F / 22Β°F47Β°F / 37Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)47.6838.19
Annual Snowfall (Inches)5113
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Massachusetts to Washington. Washington gets 24% fewer sunshine days than Massachusetts.
  • Washington has higher humidity and a similar average UV index compared to Massachusetts.
  • Say goodbye to the possible nor'easters and blizzards in Massachusetts, 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 5 degrees colder than in Massachusetts.
  • The average winter lows in Washington are 15 degrees warmer than they are in Massachusetts.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Washington. Washington receives 9.5 fewer inches of rain compared to Massachusetts.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Massachusetts and Washington

ComparisonMassachusettsWashington
Avg. Household Income$94,488$91,306
Cost of Living Index121.55104.1
State Income Tax5.00%0.00%
Avg. Property Tax1.23%0.93%
Avg. Sales Tax6.25%9.17%
Top 3 IndustriesEducation, Healthcare, TechnologyAerospace, Technology, Agriculture
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessLowHigh
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Washington tend to earn about 3% less than in Massachusetts
  • The COLI in Washington is 14% lower than what you are used to living in Massachusetts
  • Hooray, moving to WA means you'll no longer have state income taxes
  • The affluence in Washington is moderate compared to high in Massachusetts
  • The poverty level is moderate in Washington compared to low in Massachusetts
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Massachusetts and high in Washington

Political and Religious Climate in Massachusetts vs. Washington

ComparisonMassachusettsWashington
Political Make-upLiberal/DemocraticLiberal/Democratic
Local PoliticsModerate with progressive areasModerate with progressive areas
ReligionChristianity, secular majorityChristianity, secular majority
  • Massachusetts tends to lean Liberal/Democratic in its political climate
  • Washington, on the other hand, is often described as Liberal/Democratic
  • Washington's religious environment can be described as Christianity and secular majority
  • Massachusetts' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christianity and secular majority

Education Guide When Moving from Massachusetts to Washington

ComparisonMassachusettsWashington
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)Harvard University
MIT
Boston University
University of Washington
Washington State University
Seattle University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsJohn Ward School (Newton)
Brackett Elementary (Arlington)
Vinson-Owen School (Winchester)
Cascade Ridge Elementary (Sammamish)
Bennett Elementary (Bellevue)
Discovery Elementary (Sammamish)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsWilliam Diamond Middle School (Lexington)
Jonas Clarke Middle School (Lexington)
Wm H Galvin Middle School (Canton)
International Community School (Kirkland)
Environmental & Adventure School (Redmond)
Redmond Middle School (Redmond)
Top 3 High School SchoolsBoston Latin School (Boston)
Lexington High School (Lexington)
Brookline High School (Brookline)
International School (Bellevue)
Newport Senior High School (Bellevue)
Tesla STEM High School (Redmond)
Top 3 private high schoolsPhillips Academy (Andover)
Groton School (Groton)
Milton Academy (Milton)
The Lakeside School (Seattle)
The Overlake School (Redmond)
Annie Wright Schools (Tacoma)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsBuckingham Browne & Nichols (Cambridge)
Noble and Greenough School (Dedham)
Shady Hill School (Cambridge)
Eastside Preparatory School (Kirkland)
The Bear Creek School (Redmond)
Seattle Academy (Seattle)
Top 3 School DistrictsLexington
Newton
Wellesley
Lake Washington
Mercer Island
Bellevue

How Much Do Massachusetts to Washington Movers Cost?

Moving 2,961 miles from Massachusetts to Washington will typically cost between $4,500 and $10,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $4,500 - $10,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-4 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Centaur Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,881300 ft3$9.60
1 Bedroom$4,299450 ft3$9.55
2 Bedrooms$7,128750 ft3$9.50
3 Bedrooms$10,3991100 ft3$9.45
4 Bedrooms$15,0461600 ft3$9.40
5+ Bedrooms$16,8371800 ft3$9.35

Top Massachusetts to Washington Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best Massachusetts to Washington movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

TOP PICK
Paradise Moving & Storage featured image

Paradise Moving & Storage

Best moving company overall for Massachusetts to Washington

9.71/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Stairhopper Movers featured image

Stairhopper Movers

9.66/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Varsity Movers LLC featured image

Varsity Movers LLC

9.66/10
ExceptionalView details