Washington to Montana Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Washington to Montana

ConsWashington

• Rainy weather
• Heavy traffic
• High cost of living
• Dense population

ProsMontana

• Drier climate
• Less congested roads
• More affordable housing
• Spacious surroundings

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Montana

• Fewer job options
• Less cultural diversity
• Limited transit systems
• Fewer dining choices

Washington

• Job opportunities
• Vibrant culture
• Public transportation
• Variety of restaurants

Pros of moving from Washington to Montana

• Say goodbye to rainy weather and hello to a drier climate
• Look forward to moving away from heavy traffic and moving to Montana with less congested roads
• Swap the high cost of living in Washington for more affordable housing in Montana
• Get ready for spacious surroundings in Montana

Cons of moving from Washington to Montana

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from job opportunities in Washington to live with fewer job options in Montana
• You'll lose out on the pro of vibrant culture and have to settle for the con of less cultural diversity
• Time to bid farewell to public transportation and get used to limited transit systems in Montana
• Swap a variety of restaurants for fewer dining choices

Washington vs. Montana: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Washington to Montana, you will be trading the iconic Salmon of Washington for the equally delicious Huckleberry Pie of Montana. And while the locals in Washington rave about their flavorful Geoduck Clam and sumptuous Food Truck Tacos, Montana residents know they have tasty Bison Steak and Elk Burgers 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 Montana. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Washington eateries like Canlis, Pike Place Fish Market, and The Herbfarm. After the boxes are unpacked in Montana, don't wait too long before making your way to Montana's acclaimed eateries like Montana Brewing Company, 2nd Street Bistro, and The Keep Restaurant.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Washington and Montana

• The Modern and Craftsman architecture that Washington is known for will be replaced with the Rustic and Ranch architecture typical of Montana.
• Compared to Washington's real estate listings that commonly reference energy-efficient appliances and smart home features, Montana real estate listings often highlight features like big sky views and wildlife corridors.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Montana is less walkable than Washington.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike. Montana is less bike-friendly than Washington.
• Montana has less of an urban feel than Washington.
• Montana housing costs are 23% less expensive than they are in Washington, with a median home price of $456,199 compared to Washington’s $591,148.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Montana have increased by 71% compared to a 49% increase in Washington.
• Rent in Montana is 28.52% more affordable than in Washington.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Washington to Montana. Montana gets 24% more sunshine days than Washington.
• Montana has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Washington.
• Say goodbye to the possible earthquakes and volcanoes in Washington, but be on the lookout for potential wildfires and floods in Montana.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Montana is 10 degrees warmer than in Washington.
• The average winter lows in Montana are 19 degrees colder than those in Washington.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Montana. Montana receives 23 fewer inches of rain compared to Washington.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Washington and Montana

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Montana tend to earn about 26% less than in Washington
• The COLI in Montana will be 5% lower than what you are used to living in Washington
• Bummer... By moving from WA to MT, you'll now have a state income tax of 6.9%
• The affluence in Montana is moderate compared to high in Washington
• The poverty level is moderate in Montana compared to moderate in Washington
• In terms of homelessness, it is high in Washington and low in Montana

Political and Religious Climate in Washington vs. Montana

• Washington tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
• Montana, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Republican
• Montana's religious environment can be described as largely Christian with various denominations
• Washington's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as mixed with a significant number of non-religious individuals

Education Guide When Moving from Washington to Montana

How Much Do Washington to Montana Movers Cost?

Moving 664 miles from Washington to Montana will typically cost between $2,500 and $5,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.