Washington to California Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Washington to California

ConsWashington

• Rainy weather
• Higher taxes
• Limited outdoor dining
• Less diversity
• Traffic congestion

ProsCalifornia

• Sunny beaches
• Vibrant nightlife
• Outdoor lifestyle
• Multicultural cities
• More public transport

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California

• Wildfire risks
• Intense heat
• Higher cost of living
• Expensive groceries
• Generally higher taxes

Washington

• Lush greenery
• Mild summers
• Seasonal changes
• Local produce
• Lower sales tax

Pros of moving from Washington to California

• Say goodbye to rainy weather and hello to sunny beaches
• Look forward to moving away from higher taxes and moving to California with vibrant nightlife
• Swap the limited outdoor dining of Washington for an outdoor lifestyle in California
• Get ready for multicultural cities in California

Cons of moving from Washington to California

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from lush greenery in Washington to live with wildfire risks in California
• You'll lose out on the pro of mild summers and have to settle for the con of intense heat
• Time to bid farewell to seasonal changes and get used to a higher cost of living in California
• Swap local produce for expensive groceries

Washington vs. California: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Washington to California, you will be trading the iconic Salmon of Washington for the equally delicious Fish Tacos of California. And while the locals in Washington rave about their flavorful Applewood Smoked Salmon and sumptuous Seattle Dog, California residents know they have tasty Tri-tip Steak and Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Mushroom Stroganoff they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Avocado Toast of California. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Washington eateries like Canlis, Mamnoon, and The Herbfarm. After the boxes are unpacked in California, don't wait too long before making your way to California's acclaimed eateries like The French Laundry, n/naka, and Chez Panisse.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Washington and California

• The Craftsman architecture that Washington is known for will be replaced with the Spanish Revival architecture typical of California.
• Compared to Washington's real estate listings that commonly reference natural scenery and proximity to tech jobs, California real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to beaches and solar panels.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; California is less walkable than Washington.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; California is less bike-friendly than Washington.
• California has more of an urban feel than Washington.
• California housing costs are 33% more expensive than they are in Washington, with a median home price of $783,666 compared to Washington’s $591,148.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in California have increased by 42% compared to a 49% increase in Washington.
• Rent in California is 38.28% more expensive than in Washington.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Washington to California. California gets 87% more sunshine days than Washington.
• California has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Washington.
• Say goodbye to the possible rainstorms and flooding in Washington, but be on the lookout for potential earthquakes and wildfires in California.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in California is 10 degrees warmer than in Washington.
• The average winter lows are 9 degrees warmer than they are in Washington.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in California. California receives 16 fewer inches of rain compared to Washington.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Washington and California

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in California tend to earn about 0% more than in Washington
• The COLI in California is 31% higher than what you are used to living in Washington
• Bummer... By moving from WA to CA, you'll now have a state income tax of 1% to 13.3%
• The affluence in California is high compared to varied affluence in Washington
• The poverty level is high in California compared to moderate poverty in Washington
• In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Washington and high in California

Political and Religious Climate in Washington vs. California

• Washington tends to lean Liberal/Democratic-leaning in its political climate
• California, on the other hand, is often described as Liberal/Democratic-leaning
• California's religious environment can be described as having more religious diversity
• Washington's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as being less religiously affiliated

Education Guide When Moving from Washington to California

How Much Do Washington to California Movers Cost?

Moving 953 miles from Washington to California will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.