Montana to Washington Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Montana to Washington

ConsMontana

• Long, harsh winters
• Limited job opportunities
• Remote locations
• Scarce entertainment options
• Sparse public transit

ProsWashington

• Milder winter climate
• Thriving job market
• Urban conveniences
• Rich cultural scene
• Extensive transit systems

---

Washington

• Overcast weather
• Higher living costs
• Traffic congestion
• Rainy days
• Urban sprawl

Montana

• Lush landscapes
• Close-knit communities
• Low crime rates
• Outdoor recreation
• Broad open spaces

Pros of moving from Montana to Washington

• Say goodbye to long, harsh winters and hello to a milder winter climate
• Look forward to moving away from limited job opportunities and moving to Washington with a thriving job market
• Swap the remote locations of Montana for urban conveniences in Washington
• Get ready for a rich cultural scene in Washington

Cons of moving from Montana to Washington

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from lush landscapes in Montana to live with overcast weather in Washington
• You'll lose out on the pro of close-knit communities and have to settle for the con of higher living costs
• Time to bid farewell to low crime rates and get used to traffic congestion in Washington
• Swap outdoor recreation for rainy days

Montana vs. Washington: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Montana to Washington, you will be trading the iconic Bison Steak of Montana for the equally delicious Salmon of Washington. And while the locals in Montana rave about their flavorful Elk Burgers and sumptuous Montana Huckleberry Ice Cream, Washington residents know they have tasty Pacific Northwest Clam Chowder and Seattle Hot Dog to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Wild Rice Salad they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Tofu Scramble of Washington. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Montana eateries like The Montana Club, Buck’s T-4 Lodge, and Cattle Baron Supper Club. After the boxes are unpacked in Washington, don't wait too long before making your way to Washington's acclaimed eateries like The Space Needle Restaurant, Pike Place Chowder, and Ray’s Boathouse.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Montana and Washington

• The rustic and cabin-style architecture that Montana is known for will be replaced with the modern and Craftsman architecture typical of Washington.
• Compared to Montana's real estate listings that commonly reference Big Sky Country and mountain views, Washington real estate listings often highlight features like green living and technology-ready homes.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Washington is more walkable than Montana.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Washington is more bike-friendly than Montana.
• Washington has more of an urban feel than Montana.
• Washington housing costs are 30% more expensive than they are in Montana, with a median home price of $591,148 compared to Montana’s $456,199.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Washington have increased by 49% compared to a 71% increase in Montana.
• Rent in Washington is 39.90% more expensive than in Montana.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Montana to Washington. Washington gets 19% fewer sunshine days than Montana.
• Washington has higher humidity and a similar average UV index compared to Montana.
• Say goodbye to the possible wildfires and snowstorms in Montana, 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 7 degrees colder than in Montana.
• The average winter lows are 24 degrees warmer than they are in Montana.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Washington. Washington receives 23 more inches of rain compared to Montana.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Montana and Washington

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Washington tend to earn about 35% more than in Montana
• The COLI in Washington is 5% higher than what you are used to living in Montana
• Hooray, moving to WA means you'll no longer have state income taxes
• The affluence in Washington is high compared to moderate in Montana
• The poverty level is low in Washington compared to moderate in Montana
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Montana and high in Washington

Political and Religious Climate in Montana vs. Washington

• Montana tends to lean Republican in its political climate
• Washington, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Democratic
• Washington's religious environment can be described as having a diverse religious landscape and being less religious overall
• Montana's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christianity, with a mix of other faiths

Education Guide When Moving from Montana to Washington

How Much Do Montana to Washington Movers Cost?

Moving 663 miles from Montana to Washington will typically cost between $2,500 and $5,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.