Michigan to Washington Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Michigan to Washington

ConsMichigan

• Harsh winters
• High state taxes
• Fewer tech jobs
• Limited mountain views
• Heavy industry pollution

ProsWashington

• Mild temperatures
• No income tax
• Tech industry hub
• Beautiful landscapes
• Clean air

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Washington

• Higher cost of living
• Overcast skies
• Expensive real estate
• Traffic congestion
• Rainy weather

Michigan

• Friendly communities
• Cultural diversity
• Lower housing costs
• Great local breweries
• Famous universities

Pros of moving from Michigan to Washington

• Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to mild temperatures
• Look forward to moving away from high state taxes and moving to Washington with no income tax
• Swap the fewer tech jobs of Michigan for a tech industry hub in Washington
• Get ready for beautiful landscapes in Washington

Cons of moving from Michigan to Washington

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from friendly communities in Michigan to live with a higher cost of living in Washington
• You'll lose out on the pro of cultural diversity and have to settle with the con of overcast skies
• Time to bid farewell to lower housing costs and get used to expensive real estate in Washington
• Swap great local breweries for traffic congestion

Michigan vs. Washington: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Michigan to Washington, you will be trading the iconic Pasties of Michigan for the equally delicious Salmon of Washington. And while the locals in Michigan rave about their flavorful Detroit-style Pizza and sumptuous Coney Dog, Washington residents know they have tasty Pho and Fish Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Tempeh Reuben they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Foraged Mushroom Dishes of Washington. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Michigan eateries like Zingerman's Delicatessen, Slows Bar BQ, and Buddy'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 Salumi.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Michigan and Washington

• The Colonial and Ranch architecture that Michigan is known for will be replaced with the Modern and Craftsman architecture typical of Washington.
• Compared to Michigan's real estate listings that commonly reference garages and large yards, Washington real estate listings often highlight features like eco-friendly amenities and views.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Washington is more walkable than Michigan.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Washington is more bike-friendly than Michigan.
• Washington has more of an urban feel than Michigan.
• Washington housing costs are 147% more expensive than they are in Michigan, with a median home price of $591,148 compared to Michigan's $239,770.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Washington have increased by 49% compared to a 45% increase in Michigan.
• Rent in Washington is 35.93% more expensive than in Michigan.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Michigan to Washington. Washington gets 11% fewer sunshine days than Michigan.
• Washington has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Michigan.
• Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and tornadoes in Michigan, but be on the lookout for potential earthquakes and volcanic eruptions in Washington.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Washington is 4 degrees colder than in Michigan.
• The average winter lows in Washington are 19 degrees warmer than they are in Michigan.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Washington. Washington receives 5.3 more inches of rain compared to Michigan.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Michigan and Washington

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Washington tend to earn about 36% more than those in Michigan
• The COLI in Washington will be 14% higher than what you are used to living in Michigan
• Hooray, moving to WA means you'll no longer have state income taxes
• The affluence in Washington is high compared to moderate in Michigan
• The poverty level is low in Washington compared to moderate in Michigan
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Michigan and high in Washington

Political and Religious Climate in Michigan vs. Washington

• Michigan tends to lean swing state with competitive statewide races and urban/suburban areas lean Democratic while many rural areas lean Republican in its political climate
• Washington, on the other hand, is often described as reliably Democratic statewide and the Puget Sound corridor leans strongly Democratic while Eastern and many rural counties lean Republican
• Washington's religious environment can be described as having a high share of religiously unaffiliated individuals, with Christian communities present but making up a smaller share than the national average and having diverse faith communities in metro areas
• Michigan's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christian plurality (Protestant and Catholic) with a sizable religiously unaffiliated population and diverse faith communities in metro areas

How Much Do Michigan to Washington Movers Cost?

Moving 2,028 miles from Michigan to Washington will typically cost between $3,500 and $8,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.