Movers

Ohio to Washington Moving Guide

Updated June 8, 2025

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Planning a 2,304 mile interstate move from Ohio to Washington? This moving guide will help you compare living in Ohio vs Washington across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like unpredictable weather vs mild climate), food & health (like Buckeye Candy vs Salmon), real estate & housing (colonial and craftsman vs northwest contemporary and craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Washington), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Buckeye Candy and Cincinnati Chili, but get your taste buds ready for Salmon & Pacific Northwest Clam Chowder
  • Washington housing costs are 165% more expensive than they are in Ohio
  • Rent in Washington is 36.20% more expensive than in Ohio
  • Moving from Ohio to Washington will cost on average between $2,500 - $9,000
  • Our top recommended Ohio to Washington movers is Perrysburg Moving and Hauling LLC

Ohio to Washington Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Ohio to Washington

ConsOhio iconOhio
  • Unpredictable weather
  • Limited nature access
  • Flat geography
  • Rust Belt economy
  • Reliance on cars
ProsWashington iconWashington
  • Mild climate
  • Abundant outdoor activities
  • Stunning mountains
  • Thriving tech industry
  • Public transportation options

Washington iconWashington
  • Higher housing costs
  • Rainy weather
  • Traffic congestion
  • Cloudy skies
  • Higher taxes
Ohio iconOhio
  • Cost of living
  • Friendly community
  • Rich history
  • Diverse seasons
  • Local breweries

Pros of moving from Ohio to Washington

  • Say goodbye to unpredictable weather and hello to a mild climate
  • Look forward to moving away from limited nature access and moving to Washington with abundant outdoor activities
  • Swap the flat geography of Ohio for stunning mountains in Washington
  • Get ready for a thriving tech industry in Washington

Cons of moving from Ohio to Washington

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a low cost of living in Ohio to live with higher housing costs in Washington
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a friendly community and have to settle with the con of rainy weather
  • Time to bid farewell to rich history and get used to traffic congestion in Washington
  • Swap diverse seasons for cloudy skies

Ohio vs. Washington: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonOhioWashington
Most iconic local food itemBuckeye CandySalmon
Most popular meat dishCincinnati ChiliPacific Northwest Clam Chowder
Most popular street food itemPolish Boy SandwichFish Tacos
Most popular vegan foodVegetarian ChiliForaged Wild Mushroom Dishes
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Schmidt’s Sausage Haus
  • Slyman's
  • Tony's Italian Restaurant
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 Ohio to Washington, you will be trading the iconic Buckeye Candy of Ohio for the equally delicious Salmon of Washington. And while the locals in Ohio rave about their flavorful Cincinnati Chili and sumptuous Polish Boy Sandwich, Washington residents know they have tasty Pacific Northwest Clam Chowder and Fish Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegetarian Chili they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Foraged Wild Mushroom Dishes of Washington. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Ohio eateries like Schmidt’s Sausage Haus, Slyman's, and Tony's Italian Restaurant. 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 Matt's in the Market.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Ohio and Washington

ComparisonOhioWashington
Typical Architecture StyleColonial and CraftsmanNorthwest Contemporary and Craftsman
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 listingSpacious backyardsEnergy-efficient appliances
  • The Colonial and Craftsman architecture that Ohio is known for will be replaced with the Northwest Contemporary and Craftsman architecture typical of Washington.
  • Compared to Ohio's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious backyards, Washington real estate listings often highlight features like energy-efficient appliances.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Washington is more walkable than Ohio.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Washington is more bike-friendly than Ohio.
  • Washington has more of an urban feel than Ohio.
  • Washington housing costs are 165% more expensive than they are in Ohio, with a median home price of $591,148 compared to Ohio’s $223,135.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Washington have increased by 49% compared to a 49% increase in Ohio.
  • Rent in Washington is 36.20% more expensive than in Ohio.

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

ComparisonOhioWashington
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 DisastersTornados, Severe ThunderstormsEarthquakes, Volcanoes
Air QualityGoodVaries; issues in urban areas
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)82/6275/55
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)37/2247/36
Annual Rainfall (Inches)3938
Annual Snowfall (Inches)2874
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Ohio to Washington. Washington gets 14% fewer sunshine days than Ohio.
  • Washington has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Ohio.
  • Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in Ohio, 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 Ohio.
  • The average winter lows are 14 degrees warmer than they are in Ohio.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Washington. Washington receives 1 inch less of rain compared to Ohio.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Ohio and Washington

ComparisonOhioWashington
Avg. Household Income$65,720$91,306
Cost of Living Index92.85104.1
State Income TaxUp to 4.797%0%
Avg. Property Tax1.57%0.93%
Avg. Sales Tax7.17%9.23%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Finance, InsuranceTechnology, Aviation, Agriculture
AffluenceModerateAffluent
PovertyNoticeableLower
HomelessnessLess prevalentSignificant
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Washington tend to earn about 39% more than in Ohio
  • The COLI in Washington will be 12% higher than what you are used to living in Ohio
  • Hooray, moving to WA means you'll no longer have state income taxes
  • The affluence in Washington is affluent compared to moderate in Ohio
  • The poverty level is lower in Washington compared to noticeable in Ohio
  • In terms of homelessness, it is less prevalent in Ohio and significant in Washington

Political and Religious Climate in Ohio vs. Washington

ComparisonOhioWashington
Political Make-upMixed, leaning redLeans blue
Local PoliticsVaries by regionProgressive in urban areas
ReligionChristian majorityLess religiously affiliated
  • Ohio tends to lean mixed, leaning red in its political climate.
  • Washington, on the other hand, is often described as leaning blue.
  • Washington's religious environment can be described as less religiously affiliated.
  • Ohio's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Christian majority.

Education Guide When Moving from Ohio to Washington

ComparisonOhioWashington
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)Ohio State University
University of Cincinnati
Kent State University
University of Washington
Washington State University
Seattle University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsOttawa Hills Elementary
Ottawa Hills; Indian Hill Elementary
Cincinnati; Granville Elementary
Granville
Cascade K-8 Community School
Shoreline; Bertschi School
Seattle; The Bush School
Seattle
Top 3 Middle SchoolsOttawa Hills Junior/Senior High
Ottawa Hills; Indian Hill Middle School
Cincinnati; Granville Middle School
Granville
Lakeside Middle School
Seattle; The Bear Creek School
Redmond; Odle Middle School
Bellevue
Top 3 High SchoolsOttawa Hills High School
Ottawa Hills; Walnut Hills High School
Cincinnati; Bexley High School
Bexley
International School
Bellevue; Newport High School
Bellevue; Mercer Island High School
Mercer Island
Top 3 private high schoolsHawken School
Gates Mills; University School
Hunting Valley; Western Reserve Academy
Hudson
The Overlake School
Redmond; Lakeside School
Seattle; The Bush School
Seattle
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsColumbus Academy
Gahanna; Western Reserve Academy
Hudson; Hawken School
Gates Mills
The Bush School
Seattle; The Overlake School
Redmond; Lakeside School
Seattle
Top 3 School DistrictsOttawa Hills Local Schools
Indian Hill Exempted Village School District
Granville Exempted Village School District
Mercer Island School District
Bellevue School District
Lake Washington School District

How Much Do Ohio to Washington Movers Cost?

Moving 2,304 miles from Ohio to Washington will typically cost between $3,500 and $9,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $3,500 - $9,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-4 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Perrysburg Moving and Hauling LLC
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,509300 ft3$8.36
1 Bedroom$3,741450 ft3$8.31
2 Bedrooms$6,197750 ft3$8.26
3 Bedrooms$9,0341100 ft3$8.21
4 Bedrooms$13,0601600 ft3$8.16
5+ Bedrooms$14,6021800 ft3$8.11

Top Ohio to Washington Movers

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

TOP PICK
Perrysburg Moving and Hauling LLC featured image

Perrysburg Moving and Hauling LLC

Best moving company overall for Ohio to Washington

9.81/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Blue Men Moving LLC featured image

Blue Men Moving LLC

9.57/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Seattle Moves & More

Seattle Moves & More

9.55/10
ExceptionalView details