Movers

Washington to Michigan Moving Guide

Updated June 19, 2025

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Planning a 2,030 mile interstate move from Washington to Michigan? This moving guide will help you compare living in Washington vs Michigan across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high cost of living vs lower housing expenses), food & health (like Salmon vs Cherry Pie), real estate & housing (modern & craftsman vs colonial & ranch), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Washington), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Salmon and Pho, but get your taste buds ready for Cherry Pie & Coney Dog
  • Michigan housing costs are 59% less expensive than they are in Washington
  • Rent in Michigan is 26.43% more affordable than in Washington
  • Moving from Washington to Michigan will cost on average between $2,500 - $8,500
  • Our top recommended Washington to Michigan movers is Pro-Low Moving

Washington to Michigan Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Washington to Michigan

ConsWashington iconWashington
  • High cost of living
  • Heavy traffic congestion
  • Rainy climate
  • Limited sports culture
  • High state taxes
ProsMichigan iconMichigan
  • Lower housing expenses
  • Easier commuting
  • More sunny days
  • Rich sports scene
  • Tax-friendly environment

Michigan iconMichigan
  • Fewer lush vistas
  • Limited tech opportunities
  • Less public transport
  • Fewer dining options
  • Fewer renowned universities
Washington iconWashington
  • Stunning landscapes
  • Thriving tech industry
  • Robust public transit
  • Diverse culinary scene
  • Strong educational institutions

Pros of moving from Washington to Michigan

  • Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to lower housing expenses
  • Look forward to moving away from heavy traffic congestion and moving to Michigan with easier commuting
  • Swap the rainy climate of Washington for more sunny days in Michigan
  • Get ready for a rich sports scene in Michigan

Cons of moving from Washington to Michigan

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from stunning landscapes in Washington to live with fewer lush vistas in Michigan
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a thriving tech industry and have to settle for the con of limited tech opportunities
  • Time to bid farewell to robust public transit and get used to less public transport in Michigan
  • Swap a diverse culinary scene for fewer dining options

Washington vs. Michigan: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonWashingtonMichigan
Most iconic local food itemSalmonCherry Pie
Most popular meat dishPhoConey Dog
Most popular street food itemTaco TrucksPasty
Most popular vegan foodQuinoa SaladLentil Burger
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from Washington to Michigan, you will be trading the iconic Salmon of Washington for the equally delicious Cherry Pie of Michigan. And while the locals in Washington rave about their flavorful Pho and sumptuous Taco Trucks, Michigan residents know they have tasty Coney Dog and Pasty to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Quinoa Salad they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Lentil Burger of Michigan. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Washington eateries like Canlis, Salumi, and Pike Place Chowder. After the boxes are unpacked in Michigan, don't wait too long before making your way to Michigan's acclaimed eateries like Zingerman's Deli, Slows Bar BQ, and Bell's Eccentric Cafe.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Washington and Michigan

ComparisonWashingtonMichigan
Typical Architecture StyleModern & CraftsmanColonial & Ranch
Walkability👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingOpen-concept, eco-friendlyLake access, spacious backyards
  • The Modern & Craftsman architecture that Washington is known for will be replaced with the Colonial & Ranch architecture typical of Michigan.
  • Compared to Washington's real estate listings that commonly reference open-concept and eco-friendly features, Michigan real estate listings often highlight features like lake access and spacious backyards.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Michigan is less walkable than Washington.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Michigan is less bike-friendly than Washington.
  • Michigan has less of an urban feel than Washington.
  • Michigan housing costs are 59% less expensive than they are in Washington, with a median home price of $239,770 compared to Washington's $591,148.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Michigan have increased by 45% compared to a 49% increase in Washington.
  • Rent in Michigan is 26.43% more affordable than in Washington.

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

ComparisonWashingtonMichigan
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Natural DisastersFloods, EarthquakesSnowstorms, Tornadoes
Air QualityGoodVariable
Average Summer High/Low (°F)75°F/55°F81°F/62°F
Average Winter High/Low (°F)47°F/37°F31°F/18°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)3832
Annual Snowfall (Inches)560
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Washington to Michigan. Michigan gets 12% more sunshine days than Washington.
  • Michigan has lower humidity and a similar average UV index compared to Washington.
  • Say goodbye to the possible floods and earthquakes in Washington, but be on the lookout for potential snowstorms and tornadoes in Michigan.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Michigan is 6 degrees warmer than in Washington.
  • The average winter lows in Michigan are 19 degrees colder than they are in Washington.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Michigan. Michigan receives 6 fewer inches of rain compared to Washington.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Washington and Michigan

ComparisonWashingtonMichigan
Avg. Household Income$91,306$66,986
Cost of Living Index104.191.2
State Income Tax0%4.25%
Avg. Property Tax1.03%1.54%
Avg. Sales Tax9.17%6%
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Aerospace, E-commerceAutomotive, Manufacturing, Healthcare
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyModerateHigh
HomelessnessHighModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Michigan tend to earn about 27% less than in Washington
  • The COLI in Michigan will be 12% lower than what you are used to living in Washington
  • Bummer... By moving from WA to MI, you'll now have a state income tax of 4.25%
  • The affluence in Michigan is moderate compared to high in Washington
  • The poverty level is high in Michigan compared to moderate in Washington
  • In terms of homelessness, it is high in Washington and moderate in Michigan

Political and Religious Climate in Washington vs. Michigan

ComparisonWashingtonMichigan
Political Make-upLean LiberalModerate/Mixed
Local PoliticsProgressive city policiesDiversified across regions
ReligionLess religiously affiliatedHigher religious affiliation
  • Washington tends to lean Liberal in its political climate
  • Michigan, on the other hand, is often described as Moderate/Mixed
  • Michigan's religious environment can be described as having a higher religious affiliation
  • Washington's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as being less religiously affiliated

Education Guide When Moving from Washington to Michigan

ComparisonWashingtonMichigan
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Washington
Washington State University
Seattle University
University of Michigan
Michigan State University
Wayne State University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsCascadia Elementary (Seattle)
Medina Elementary (Medina)
Enatai Elementary School (Bellevue)
Rochester Adams High School (Rochester Hills)
Frankenmuth High School (Frankenmuth)
Northville High School (Northville)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsInternational School (Bellevue)
Odle Middle School (Bellevue)
Redmond Middle School (Redmond)
West Middle School (Rochester Hills)
East Middle School (Farmington Hills)
Boulan Park Middle School (Troy)
Top 3 High SchoolsInternational School (Bellevue)
Newport High School (Bellevue)
Lakeside School (Seattle)
International Academy (Bloomfield Hills)
Troy High School (Troy)
Novi High School (Novi)
Top 3 private high schoolsLakeside School (Seattle)
The Overlake School (Redmond)
The Bush School (Seattle)
Detroit Country Day School (Beverly Hills)
Cranbrook Schools (Bloomfield Hills)
Roeper School (Birmingham)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe Bush School (Seattle)
The Overlake School (Redmond)
Eastside Preparatory School (Kirkland)
Greenhills School (Ann Arbor)
Detroit Country Day School (Beverly Hills)
Cranbrook Schools (Bloomfield Hills)
Top 3 School DistrictsBellevue School District
Lake Washington School District
Mercer Island School District
Okemos Public Schools
Birmingham Public Schools
Bloomfield Hills Schools

How Much Do Washington to Michigan Movers Cost?

Moving 2,030 miles from Washington to Michigan will typically cost between $3,500 and $8,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $3,500 - $8,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 3-7 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Pro-Low Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,353300 ft3$7.84
1 Bedroom$3,508450 ft3$7.79
2 Bedrooms$5,808750 ft3$7.74
3 Bedrooms$8,4641100 ft3$7.69
4 Bedrooms$12,2311600 ft3$7.64
5+ Bedrooms$13,6701800 ft3$7.59

Top Washington to Michigan Movers

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

TOP PICK
Pro-Low Moving featured image

Pro-Low Moving

Best moving company overall for Washington to Michigan

9.69/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Seattle Moves & More

Seattle Moves & More

9.55/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
John Volken Academy Movers featured image

John Volken Academy Movers

9.34/10
ExceptionalView details

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