Movers

Texas to Washington Moving Guide

Updated June 16, 2025

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Planning a 1,918 mile interstate move from Texas to Washington? This moving guide will help you compare living in Texas vs Washington across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like unbearable summer heat vs cooler summer temperatures), food & health (like BBQ Brisket vs Seafood Chowder), real estate & housing (ranch vs northwest contemporary), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Washington), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to BBQ Brisket and Smoked Ribs, but get your taste buds ready for Seafood Chowder & Salmon
  • Washington housing costs are 94% more expensive than they are in Texas
  • Rent in Washington is 16.46% more expensive than in Texas
  • Moving from Texas to Washington will cost on average between $2,500 - $8,000
  • Our top recommended Texas to Washington movers is Phoenix Express Specialty Moving & Delivery

Texas to Washington Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Texas to Washington

ConsTexas iconTexas
  • Unbearable summer heat
  • Humidity
  • Lack of lush scenery
  • Urban sprawl
  • Limited public transit
ProsWashington iconWashington
  • Cooler summer temperatures
  • Less humidity
  • Beautiful greenery
  • Compact urban areas
  • Extensive public transit

Washington iconWashington
  • State income tax
  • Higher cost of living
  • Limited land space
  • Rainy climate
  • Quieter evenings
Texas iconTexas
  • No state income tax
  • Rich cultural diversity
  • Expansive land
  • Lively music scene
  • Vibrant nightlife

Pros of moving from Texas to Washington

  • Say goodbye to unbearable summer heat and hello to cooler summer temperatures
  • Look forward to moving away from humidity and moving to Washington with less humidity
  • Swap the lack of lush scenery of Texas for beautiful greenery in Washington
  • Get ready for compact urban areas in Washington

Cons of moving from Texas to Washington

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from no state income tax in Texas to live with state income tax in Washington
  • You'll lose out on the pro of rich cultural diversity and have to settle for the con of higher cost of living
  • Time to bid farewell to expansive land and get used to limited land space in Washington
  • Swap a lively music scene for a rainy climate

Texas vs. Washington: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonTexasWashington
Most iconic local food itemBBQ BrisketSeafood Chowder
Most popular meat dishSmoked RibsSalmon
Most popular street food itemTexas TacosFish Tacos
Most popular vegan foodTex-Mex Quinoa SaladVegan Pho
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Franklin Barbecue
  • Killen's Steakhouse
  • Cattlemen's Fort Worth Steak House
  • Canlis
  • Salumi Artisan Cured Meats
  • 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 Texas to Washington, you will be trading the iconic BBQ Brisket of Texas for the equally delicious Seafood Chowder of Washington. And while the locals in Texas rave about their flavorful Smoked Ribs and sumptuous Texas Tacos, Washington residents know they have tasty Salmon and Fish Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Tex-Mex Quinoa Salad they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Pho of Washington. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Texas eateries like Franklin Barbecue, Killen's Steakhouse, and Cattlemen's Fort Worth Steak House. After the boxes are unpacked in Washington, don't wait too long before making your way to Washington's acclaimed eateries like Canlis, Salumi Artisan Cured Meats, and Mamnoon.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Texas and Washington

ComparisonTexasWashington
Typical Architecture StyleRanchNorthwest 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 listingSpacious yards, swimming poolsEco-friendly features, proximity to nature
  • The Ranch architecture that Texas is known for will be replaced with the Northwest Contemporary architecture typical of Washington.
  • Compared to Texas's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and swimming pools, Washington real estate listings often highlight features like eco-friendly options and proximity to nature.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Washington is more walkable than Texas.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Washington is more bike-friendly than Texas.
  • Washington has more of an urban feel than Texas.
  • Washington housing costs are 94% more expensive than they are in Texas, with a median home price of $591,148 compared to Texas’s $304,027.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Washington have increased by 49% compared to a 45% increase in Texas.
  • Rent in Washington is 16.46% more expensive than in Texas.

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

ComparisonTexasWashington
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, TornadoesVolcanoes, Earthquakes
Air QualityVariableGenerally Good
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)94Β°F/73Β°F75Β°F/53Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)62Β°F/42Β°F47Β°F/36Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)3638
Annual Snowfall (Inches)147
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Texas to Washington. Washington gets 35% fewer sunshine days than Texas.
  • Washington has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Texas.
  • Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and tornadoes in Texas, 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 19 degrees colder than in Texas.
  • The average winter lows are 6 degrees colder than they are in Texas.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Washington. Washington receives 2 more inches of rain compared to Texas.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Texas and Washington

ComparisonTexasWashington
Avg. Household Income$72,284$91,306
Cost of Living Index91.1104.1
State Income Tax0%0%
Avg. Property Tax1.69%1.03%
Avg. Sales Tax8.20%9.29%
Top 3 IndustriesEnergy, Technology, AgricultureTechnology, Aerospace, Agriculture
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertySignificantModerate
HomelessnessNoticeableProminent
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Political and Religious Climate in Texas vs. Washington

ComparisonTexasWashington
Political Make-upTraditionally leans RepublicanLeans Democratic, especially in urban areas
Local PoliticsVaried, conservative rural areas vs. more liberal urban centersProgressive policies dominate in urban areas; moderate in rural regions
ReligionChristianity prominently practiced, with a significant Evangelical presenceLess religious overall, with notable diversity in beliefs and practices
  • Texas tends to lean traditionally Republican in its political climate
  • Washington, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Democratic, especially in urban areas
  • Washington's religious environment can be described as less religious overall, with notable diversity in beliefs and practices
  • Texas's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as prominently practiced Christianity, with a significant Evangelical presence

Education Guide When Moving from Texas to Washington

ComparisonTexasWashington
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Texas
Texas A&M
Texas Tech
University of Washington
Washington State University
Western Washington University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsWilliam B Travis Academy
Dallas
River Oaks Elementary
Houston
School of Science and Engineering
Dallas
Cascade K-8 Community School
Shoreline
Brier Elementary School
Brier
Challenge Elementary
Everett
Top 3 Middle SchoolsLanier Middle School
Houston
Young Women’s Leadership Academy
Fort Worth
William B Travis Academy/Vanguard for the Academically Talented and Gifted
Dallas
International School
Bellevue
Environmental & Adventure School
Kirkland
Washington Middle School
Seattle
Top 3 High SchoolsSchool for the Talented and Gifted
Dallas
School of Science and Engineering
Dallas
Liberal Arts and Science Academy
Austin
International School
Bellevue
Tesla STEM High School
Redmond
Newport Senior High School
Bellevue
Top 3 private high schoolsSt. Mark's School of Texas
Dallas
The Hockaday School
Dallas
Greenhill School
Addison
Lakeside School
Seattle
The Overlake School
Redmond
The Bush School
Seattle
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe John Cooper School
The Woodlands
The Village School
Houston
Trinity Valley School
Fort Worth
Eastside Preparatory School
Kirkland
Seattle Academy
Seattle
The Bear Creek School
Redmond
Top 3 School DistrictsEanes Independent School District
Austin
Carroll Independent School District
Southlake
Coppell Independent School District
Coppell
Bellevue School District
Bellevue
Mercer Island School District
Mercer Island
Lake Washington School District
Redmond

How Much Do Texas to Washington Movers Cost?

Moving 1,918 miles from Texas to Washington will typically cost between $3,500 and $8,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $3,500 - $8,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-6 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: New Braunfels Moving Company, LLC
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,290300 ft3$7.63
1 Bedroom$3,412450 ft3$7.58
2 Bedrooms$5,650750 ft3$7.53
3 Bedrooms$8,2311100 ft3$7.48
4 Bedrooms$11,8931600 ft3$7.43
5+ Bedrooms$13,2891800 ft3$7.38

Top Texas to Washington Movers

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

TOP PICK
Phoenix Express Specialty Moving & Delivery featured image

Phoenix Express Specialty Moving & Delivery

Best moving company overall for Texas to Washington

9.72/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
New Braunfels Moving Company, LLC featured image

New Braunfels Moving Company, LLC

9.57/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Seattle Moves & More

Seattle Moves & More

9.55/10
ExceptionalView details