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Mississippi to Washington Moving Guide

Updated June 20, 2025

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Planning a 2,488 mile interstate move from Mississippi to Washington? This moving guide will help you compare living in Mississippi vs Washington across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high humidity vs mild summer climates), food & health (like Catfish vs Salmon), real estate & housing (colonial, ranch vs craftsman, contemporary), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Washington), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Catfish and Pulled pork BBQ, but get your taste buds ready for Salmon & Grilled salmon
  • Washington housing costs are 231% more expensive than they are in Mississippi
  • Rent in Washington is 44.01% more expensive than in Mississippi
  • Moving from Mississippi to Washington will cost on average between $2,500 - $9,500
  • Our top recommended Mississippi to Washington movers is Seattle Moves & More

Mississippi to Washington Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Mississippi to Washington

ConsMississippi iconMississippi
  • High humidity
  • Limited job diversity
  • Few entertainment options
  • Low-ranking education
ProsWashington iconWashington
  • Mild summer climates
  • Diverse job market
  • Plentiful cultural attractions
  • Quality educational institutions

Washington iconWashington
  • Higher cost of living
  • Potential for isolation
  • Less historic presence
  • Different food culture
Mississippi iconMississippi
  • Low cost of living
  • Close-knit communities
  • Rich local history
  • Southern cuisine

Pros of moving from Mississippi to Washington

  • Say goodbye to high humidity and hello to mild summer climates
  • Look forward to moving away from limited job diversity and moving to Washington with a diverse job market
  • Swap the few entertainment options of Mississippi for plentiful cultural attractions in Washington
  • Get ready for quality educational institutions in Washington

Cons of moving from Mississippi to Washington

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a low cost of living in Mississippi to live with a higher cost of living in Washington
  • You'll lose out on the pro of close-knit communities and have to settle with the con of the potential for isolation
  • Time to bid farewell to rich local history and get used to a less historic presence in Washington
  • Swap southern cuisine for a different food culture

Mississippi vs. Washington: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonMississippiWashington
Most iconic local food itemCatfishSalmon
Most popular meat dishPulled pork BBQGrilled salmon
Most popular street food itemHot TamalesTaco Trucks
Most popular vegan foodOkra stewQuinoa salad
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Mayflower Cafe
  • Weidmann's
  • Bully's
  • Canlis
  • Matt's in the Market
  • Salumi
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10)πŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10)🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene (out of 10)🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly (out of 10)🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from Mississippi to Washington, you will be trading the iconic Catfish of Mississippi for the equally delicious Salmon of Washington. And while the locals in Mississippi rave about their flavorful Pulled Pork BBQ and sumptuous Hot Tamales, Washington residents know they have tasty Grilled Salmon and Taco Trucks to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Okra Stew 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 Mississippi eateries like Mayflower Cafe, Weidmann's, and Bully's. After the boxes are unpacked in Washington, don't wait too long before making your way to Washington's acclaimed eateries like Canlis, Matt's in the Market, and Salumi.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Mississippi and Washington

ComparisonMississippiWashington
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, RanchCraftsman, Contemporary
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 listingLarge yards, Quiet neighborhoodsEco-friendly features, Proximity to public transit
  • The Colonial and Ranch architecture that Mississippi is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman and Contemporary architecture typical of Washington.
  • Compared to Mississippi's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and quiet neighborhoods, Washington real estate listings often highlight features like eco-friendly amenities and proximity to public transit.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Washington is more walkable than Mississippi.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Washington is more bike-friendly than Mississippi.
  • Washington has more of an urban feel than Mississippi.
  • Washington housing costs are 231% more expensive than they are in Mississippi, with a median home price of $591,148 compared to Mississippi’s $178,490.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Washington have increased by 49% compared to a 31% increase in Mississippi.
  • Rent in Washington is 44.01% more expensive than in Mississippi.

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

ComparisonMississippiWashington
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 DisastersHurricanes, TornadoesEarthquakes, Volcanoes
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)91/7275/55
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)57/3847/36
Annual Rainfall (Inches)5938
Annual Snowfall (Inches)147
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Mississippi to Washington. Washington gets 29% fewer sunshine days than Mississippi.
  • Washington has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Mississippi.
  • Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and tornadoes in Mississippi, 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 16 degrees colder than in Mississippi.
  • The average winter lows are 2 degrees colder than they are in Mississippi.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Washington. Washington receives 21 fewer inches of rain compared to Mississippi.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Mississippi and Washington

ComparisonMississippiWashington
Avg. Household Income$52,719$91,306
Cost of Living Index92.1104.1
State Income Tax4-5%0%
Avg. Property Tax0.81%0.92%
Avg. Sales Tax7.07%8.87%
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Manufacturing, HealthcareTechnology, Aerospace, Retail
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertySignificantLower
HomelessnessLowerHigher
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Washington tend to earn about 73% more than those in Mississippi
  • The COLI in Washington is 13% higher than what you are used to living in Mississippi
  • Hooray, moving to WA means you'll no longer have state income taxes
  • The affluence in Washington is high compared to moderate in Mississippi
  • The poverty level is lower in Washington compared to significant in Mississippi
  • In terms of homelessness, it is lower in Mississippi and higher in Washington

Political and Religious Climate in Mississippi vs. Washington

ComparisonMississippiWashington
Political Make-upConservatively inclinedLiberal-leaning
Local PoliticsMore RepublicanPrimarily Democrat
ReligionHigher Christian denomination presenceMore varied, with significant non-religious population
  • Mississippi tends to lean conservatively in its political climate
  • Washington, on the other hand, is often described as liberal-leaning
  • Washington's religious environment can be described as more varied, with a significant non-religious population
  • Mississippi's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as having a higher presence of Christian denominations

Education Guide When Moving from Mississippi to Washington

ComparisonMississippiWashington
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Mississippi
Mississippi State University
University of Southern Mississippi
University of Washington
Washington State University
Western Washington University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsMadison Station Elementary (Madison)
Oxford Elementary (Oxford)
North Bay Elementary (Biloxi)
Cascade Ridge Elementary (Issaquah)
Medina Elementary (Medina)
Bennett Elementary (Bellevue)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsMadison Middle School (Madison)
Germantown Middle (Germantown)
Oxford Middle School (Oxford)
International School (Bellevue)
Tyee Middle School (Bellevue)
Redmond Middle School (Redmond)
Top 3 High SchoolsOxford High School (Oxford)
Lewisburg High School (Olive Branch)
Madison Central High School (Madison)
International School (Bellevue)
Newport High School (Bellevue)
Tesla STEM High School (Redmond)
Top 3 private high schoolsJackson Preparatory School (Jackson)
Saint Andrew's Episcopal School (Ridgeland)
Madison-Ridgeland Academy (Madison)
Lakeside School (Seattle)
The Overlake School (Redmond)
Seattle Preparatory School (Seattle)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsFrench Camp Academy (French Camp)
Starkville Academy (Starkville)
Heritage Academy (Columbus)
The Bear Creek School (Redmond)
Open Window School (Bellevue)
Northwest Yeshiva High School (Mercer Island)
Top 3 School DistrictsMadison County Schools
Oxford School District
Clinton Public School District
Lake Washington School District
Bellevue School District
Mercer Island School District

How Much Do Mississippi to Washington Movers Cost?

Moving 2,488 miles from Mississippi 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.

  • Expected Range: $4,000 - $9,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-4 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: John Volken Academy Movers
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,613300 ft3$8.71
1 Bedroom$3,897450 ft3$8.66
2 Bedrooms$6,458750 ft3$8.61
3 Bedrooms$9,4161100 ft3$8.56
4 Bedrooms$13,6161600 ft3$8.51
5+ Bedrooms$15,2281800 ft3$8.46

Top Mississippi to Washington Movers

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

TOP PICK
Seattle Moves & More

Seattle Moves & More

Best moving company overall for Mississippi to Washington

9.55/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
John Volken Academy Movers featured image

John Volken Academy Movers

9.34/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
MoveMint - Pack & Move

MoveMint - Pack & Move

8.59/10
FabulousView details
Top Mississippi to Washington Routes

Jackson to Washington