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Washington to Massachusetts Moving Guide

Updated June 16, 2025

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Planning a 2,961 mile interstate move from Washington to Massachusetts? This moving guide will help you compare living in Washington vs Massachusetts across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high cost of living vs lower property taxes), food & health (like Salmon vs Clam Chowder), real estate & housing (craftsman, contemporary vs colonial, cape cod), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Massachusetts), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Salmon and Teriyaki, but get your taste buds ready for Clam Chowder & Rolled Roast
  • Massachusetts housing costs are 4% more expensive than they are in Washington
  • Rent in Massachusetts is 28.77% more expensive than in Washington
  • Moving from Washington to Massachusetts will cost on average between $3,000 - $10,500
  • Our top recommended Washington to Massachusetts movers is Paradise Moving & Storage

Washington to Massachusetts Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Washington to Massachusetts

ConsWashington iconWashington
  • High cost of living
  • Rainy weather
  • Seismic activity
  • Traffic congestion
ProsMassachusetts iconMassachusetts
  • Lower property taxes
  • Diverse climate
  • Rich history
  • Public transport options

Massachusetts iconMassachusetts
  • Harsher winters
  • Higher income tax
  • Urban density
  • More expensive groceries
Washington iconWashington
  • Natural beauty
  • Tech opportunities
  • Outdoor activities
  • Wine country

Pros of moving from Washington to Massachusetts

  • Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to lower property taxes
  • Look forward to moving away from rainy weather and moving to Massachusetts with a diverse climate
  • Swap the seismic activity of Washington for the rich history in Massachusetts
  • Get ready for public transport options in Massachusetts

Cons of moving from Washington to Massachusetts

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the natural beauty in Washington to live with harsher winters in Massachusetts
  • You'll lose out on the pro of tech opportunities and have to settle for the con of higher income tax
  • Time to bid farewell to outdoor activities and get used to urban density in Massachusetts
  • Swap wine country for more expensive groceries

Washington vs. Massachusetts: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonWashingtonMassachusetts
Most iconic local food itemSalmonClam Chowder
Most popular meat dishTeriyakiRolled Roast
Most popular street food itemTacosLobster Rolls
Most popular vegan foodPhoVegan Clam Chowder
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Canlis
  • Mamnoon
  • The Herbfarm
  • Legal Sea Foods
  • Union Oyster House
  • Neptune Oyster
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 Washington to Massachusetts, you will be trading the iconic Salmon of Washington for the equally delicious Clam Chowder of Massachusetts. And while the locals in Washington rave about their flavorful Teriyaki and sumptuous Tacos, Massachusetts residents know they have tasty Rolled Roast and Lobster Rolls to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Pho they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Clam Chowder of Massachusetts. 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 Massachusetts, don't wait too long before making your way to Massachusetts' acclaimed eateries like Legal Sea Foods, Union Oyster House, and Neptune Oyster.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Washington and Massachusetts

ComparisonWashingtonMassachusetts
Typical Architecture StyleCraftsman, ContemporaryColonial, Cape Cod
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 listingViews, Green SpaceHistoric Details, Proximity to Education
  • The Craftsman and Contemporary architecture that Washington is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Cape Cod architecture typical of Massachusetts.
  • Compared to Washington's real estate listings that commonly reference views and green space, Massachusetts real estate listings often highlight features like historic details and proximity to education.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Massachusetts is more walkable than Washington.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Massachusetts is more bike-friendly than Washington.
  • Massachusetts has more of an urban feel than Washington.
  • Massachusetts housing costs are 4% more expensive than they are in Washington with a median home price of $612,509 compared to Washington’s $591,148.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Massachusetts have increased by 46% compared to a 49% increase in Washington.
  • Rent in Massachusetts is 28.77% more expensive than in Washington.

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

ComparisonWashingtonMassachusetts
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 DisastersEarthquakes, VolcanoesSnowstorms, Hurricanes
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)75/5582/62
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)47/3737/23
Annual Rainfall (Inches)3848
Annual Snowfall (Inches)540-80 (varies by region)
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Washington to Massachusetts. Massachusetts gets 32% more sunshine days than Washington.
  • Massachusetts has lower humidity and a similar average UV index compared to Washington.
  • Say goodbye to the possible earthquakes and volcanoes in Washington, but be on the lookout for potential snowstorms and hurricanes in Massachusetts.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Massachusetts is 7 degrees warmer than in Washington.
  • The average winter lows in Massachusetts are 14 degrees colder than they are in Washington.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Massachusetts. Massachusetts receives 10 more inches of rain compared to Washington.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Washington and Massachusetts

ComparisonWashingtonMassachusetts
Avg. Household Income$91,306$94,488
Cost of Living Index104.1121.55
State Income Tax0%5%
Avg. Property Tax1.03%1.17%
Avg. Sales Tax9.23%6.25%
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Forestry, AerospaceHealthcare, Education, Finance
AffluenceModerateSignificant
PovertyModerateLow
HomelessnessHighModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Massachusetts tend to earn about 3% more than those in Washington
  • The COLI in Massachusetts will be 17% higher than what you are used to living in Washington
  • Bummer... By moving from WA to MA, you'll now have a state income tax of 5%
  • The affluence in Massachusetts is significant compared to moderate affluence in Washington
  • The poverty level is low in Massachusetts compared to moderate poverty in Washington
  • In terms of homelessness, it is high in Washington and moderate in Massachusetts

Political and Religious Climate in Washington vs. Massachusetts

ComparisonWashingtonMassachusetts
Political Make-upLiberal/DemocraticLiberal/Democratic
Local PoliticsProgressive urban centers with conservative rural areasGenerally liberal across the state, with notable conservative pockets
ReligionOne of the least religious statesMixed; higher Catholic presence
  • Washington tends to lean Liberal/Democratic in its political climate
  • Massachusetts, on the other hand, is often described as Liberal/Democratic
  • Massachusetts' religious environment can be described as mixed with a higher Catholic presence
  • Washington's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as one of the least religious states

Education Guide When Moving from Washington to Massachusetts

ComparisonWashingtonMassachusetts
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Washington
Washington State University
Western Washington University
Harvard University
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Boston University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsCascade Ridge Elementary (Issaquah)
Medina Elementary (Medina)
Discovery Elementary (Gig Harbor)
John D. Hardy Elementary (Wellesley)
Brackett Elementary (Arlington)
Vinson-Owen Elementary (Winchester)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsInternational School (Bellevue)
Odle Middle School (Bellevue)
Islander Middle School (Mercer Island)
William Diamond Middle School (Lexington)
Jonas Clarke Middle School (Lexington)
Thomas Prince School (Princeton)
Top 3 High SchoolsInternational School (Bellevue)
Newport High School (Bellevue)
Bellevue High School (Bellevue)
Boston Latin School (Boston)
Lexington High School (Lexington)
Brookline High School (Brookline)
Top 3 private high schoolsThe Overlake School (Redmond)
Lakeside School (Seattle)
Eastside Preparatory School (Kirkland)
Phillips Academy (Andover)
Milton Academy (Milton)
Noble and Greenough School (Dedham)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsSeattle Academy (Seattle)
University Child Development School (Seattle)
The Bush School (Seattle)
Buckingham Browne & Nichols School (Cambridge)
The Roxbury Latin School (West Roxbury)
Commonwealth School (Boston)
Top 3 School DistrictsBellevue School District
Mercer Island School District
Lake Washington School District
Weston School District
Lexington School District
Wellesley School District

How Much Do Washington to Massachusetts Movers Cost?

Moving 2,961 miles from Washington to Massachusetts will typically cost between $4,500 and $10,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $4,500 - $10,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-4 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Centaur Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,881300 ft3$9.60
1 Bedroom$4,299450 ft3$9.55
2 Bedrooms$7,128750 ft3$9.50
3 Bedrooms$10,3991100 ft3$9.45
4 Bedrooms$15,0461600 ft3$9.40
5+ Bedrooms$16,8371800 ft3$9.35

Top Washington to Massachusetts Movers

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

TOP PICK
Paradise Moving & Storage featured image

Paradise Moving & Storage

Best moving company overall for Washington to Massachusetts

9.71/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Stairhopper Movers featured image

Stairhopper Movers

9.66/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Seattle Moves & More

Seattle Moves & More

9.55/10
ExceptionalView details

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