Movers

Washington to Texas Moving Guide

Updated June 5, 2025

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Planning a 1,920 mile interstate move from Washington to Texas? This moving guide will help you compare living in Washington vs Texas across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like higher taxes vs no state income tax), food & health (like Seafood (especially salmon) vs Barbecue (brisket)), real estate & housing (northwest contemporary vs ranch-style), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Washington), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Seafood (especially salmon) and Salmon fillet, but get your taste buds ready for Barbecue (brisket) & Smoked brisket
  • Texas housing costs are 49% less expensive than they are in Washington
  • Rent in Texas is 14.14% more affordable than in Washington
  • Moving from Washington to Texas will cost on average between $2,500 - $8,000
  • Our top recommended Washington to Texas movers is Phoenix Express Specialty Moving & Delivery

Washington to Texas Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Washington to Texas

ConsWashington iconWashington
  • Higher taxes
  • Rainy weather
  • Higher cost of living
  • Limited BBQ cuisine
  • Traffic congestion
ProsTexas iconTexas
  • No state income tax
  • More sunny days
  • Affordable housing
  • Famous Texas BBQ
  • Less crowded roads

Texas iconTexas
  • Arid landscapes
  • Far from other countries
  • Lesser-known coffee scene
  • Car-dependent cities
  • Hot summers
Washington iconWashington
  • Lush greenery
  • Proximity to Canada
  • Rich coffee culture
  • Public transportation
  • Four seasons

Pros of moving from Washington to Texas

  • Say goodbye to higher taxes and hello to no state income tax
  • Look forward to moving away from rainy weather and moving to Texas with more sunny days
  • Swap the higher cost of living in Washington for affordable housing in Texas
  • Get ready for famous Texas BBQ in Texas

Cons of moving from Washington to Texas

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from lush greenery in Washington to live with arid landscapes in Texas
  • You'll lose out on the pro of proximity to Canada and have to settle for the con of being far from other countries
  • Time to bid farewell to rich coffee culture and get used to the lesser-known coffee scene in Texas
  • Swap public transportation for car-dependent cities

Washington vs. Texas: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonWashingtonTexas
Most iconic local food itemSeafood (especially salmon)Barbecue (brisket)
Most popular meat dishSalmon filletSmoked brisket
Most popular street food itemFish tacosTacos al pastor
Most popular vegan foodQuinoa saladTex-Mex vegan bowl
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Canlis
  • Ray's Boathouse
  • The French Laundry
  • Franklin Barbecue
  • Pecan Lodge
  • Gaido's
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 Texas, you will be trading the iconic seafood (especially salmon) of Washington for the equally delicious barbecue (brisket) of Texas. And while the locals in Washington rave about their flavorful salmon fillet and sumptuous fish tacos, Texas residents know they have tasty smoked brisket and tacos al pastor 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 Tex-Mex vegan bowl of Texas. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Washington eateries like Canlis, Ray's Boathouse, and The French Laundry. After the boxes are unpacked in Texas, don't wait too long before making your way to Texas' acclaimed eateries like Franklin Barbecue, Pecan Lodge, and Gaido's.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Washington and Texas

ComparisonWashingtonTexas
Typical Architecture StyleNorthwest ContemporaryRanch-style
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 listingEco-friendly features, ViewsSpacious yards, Open floor plans
  • The Northwest Contemporary architecture that Washington is known for will be replaced with the Ranch-style architecture typical of Texas.
  • Compared to Washington's real estate listings that commonly reference eco-friendly features and views, Texas real estate listings often highlight features like spacious yards and open floor plans.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Texas is less walkable than Washington.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike. Texas is less bike-friendly than Washington.
  • Texas has less of an urban feel than Washington.
  • Texas housing costs are 49% less expensive than they are in Washington, with a median home price of $304,027 compared to Washington’s $591,148.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Texas have increased by 45% compared to a 49% increase in Washington.
  • Rent in Texas is 14.14% more affordable than in Washington.

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

ComparisonWashingtonTexas
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 DisastersVolcanoes, EarthquakesHurricanes, Tornadoes
Air QualityGood to ModerateModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)75Β°F / 55Β°F94Β°F / 73Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)47Β°F / 37Β°F60Β°F / 38Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)3836
Annual Snowfall (Inches)71
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Washington to Texas. Texas gets 55% more sunshine days than Washington.
  • Texas has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Washington.
  • Say goodbye to the possible volcanoes and earthquakes in Washington, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and tornadoes in Texas.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Texas is 19 degrees warmer than in Washington.
  • The average winter lows are 1 degree warmer than they are in Washington.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Texas. Texas receives 2 fewer inches of rain compared to Washington.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Washington and Texas

ComparisonWashingtonTexas
Avg. Household Income$91,306$72,284
Cost of Living Index104.191.1
State Income Tax0-90
Avg. Property Tax1.081.80
Avg. Sales Tax8.908.20
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Aerospace, AgricultureEnergy, Technology, Agriculture
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyModerateHigher
HomelessnessHighModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Texas tend to earn about 21% less than those in Washington
  • The COLI in Texas is 12% lower than what you are used to living in Washington
  • Hooray, moving to Texas means you'll no longer have state income taxes
  • The affluence in Texas is moderate compared to high in Washington
  • The poverty level is higher in Texas compared to moderate in Washington
  • In terms of homelessness, it is high in Washington and moderate in Texas

Political and Religious Climate in Washington vs. Texas

ComparisonWashingtonTexas
Political Make-upDemocrat-leaningRepublican-leaning
Local PoliticsProgressive urban centersConservative rural & urban mix
ReligionLess religiously affiliatedHighly religious, Christian majority
  • Washington tends to lean Democrat-leaning in its political climate
  • Texas, on the other hand, is often described as Republican-leaning
  • Texas's religious environment can be described as highly religious with a Christian majority
  • Washington's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as less religiously affiliated

Education Guide When Moving from Washington to Texas

ComparisonWashingtonTexas
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Washington
Washington State University
Western Washington University
University of Texas at Austin
Texas A&M University
University of Houston
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsCascade K-8 (Shoreline)
Bertschi School (Seattle)
The Bear Creek School (Redmond)
Tatom Elementary (Monahans)
Fern Bluff Elementary (Round Rock)
Walton Development Center (El Paso)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsInternational School (Bellevue)
Lakeside Middle School (Seattle)
Odle Middle School (Bellevue)
Coppell Middle East (Coppell)
Fort Settlement Middle School (Sugar Land)
Harmony Science Academy (Dallas)
Top 3 High SchoolsInternational School (Bellevue)
Newport High School (Bellevue)
Skyline High School (Sammamish)
School for the Talented and Gifted (Dallas)
School of Science and Engineering (Dallas)
Carnegie Vanguard High School (Houston)
Top 3 private high schoolsThe Bush School (Seattle)
The Overlake School (Redmond)
Seattle Academy (Seattle)
St. Mark's School of Texas (Dallas)
The Awty International School (Houston)
Greenhill School (Addison)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe Bear Creek School (Redmond)
The Bush School (Seattle)
Seattle Academy (Seattle)
The Awty International School (Houston)
The Village School (Houston)
Greenhill School (Addison)
Top 3 School DistrictsBellevue School District
Lake Washington School District
Mercer Island School District
Eanes Independent School District
Highland Park Independent School District
Carroll Independent School District

How Much Do Washington to Texas Movers Cost?

Moving 1,920 miles from Washington to Texas 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$2,291300 ft3$7.64
1 Bedroom$3,414450 ft3$7.59
2 Bedrooms$5,652750 ft3$7.54
3 Bedrooms$8,2351100 ft3$7.49
4 Bedrooms$11,8991600 ft3$7.44
5+ Bedrooms$13,2961800 ft3$7.39

Top Washington to Texas Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best Washington to Texas 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 Washington to Texas

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