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Wisconsin to Washington Moving Guide

Updated June 7, 2025

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Planning a 1,850 mile interstate move from Wisconsin to Washington? This moving guide will help you compare living in Wisconsin vs Washington across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs mild winters), food & health (like Cheese Curds vs Salmon), real estate & housing (craftsman vs northwest contemporary), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Washington), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Cheese Curds and Bratwurst, but get your taste buds ready for Salmon & Teriyaki
  • Washington housing costs are 100% more expensive than they are in Wisconsin
  • Rent in Washington is 57.69% more expensive than in Wisconsin
  • Moving from Wisconsin to Washington will cost on average between $2,500 - $8,000
  • Our top recommended Wisconsin to Washington movers is Elite Movers

Wisconsin to Washington Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Wisconsin to Washington

ConsWisconsin iconWisconsin
  • Harsh winters
  • Limited tech jobs
  • Flat landscapes
  • Fewer outdoor activities
  • Higher property taxes
ProsWashington iconWashington
  • Mild winters
  • Thriving tech industry
  • Scenic mountains
  • Ample outdoor adventures
  • No income tax

Washington iconWashington
  • Expensive cost of living
  • Less focus on dairy
  • Costly housing market
  • Less local cheese
  • Fewer agricultural events
Wisconsin iconWisconsin
  • Friendly community
  • Rich dairy culture
  • Affordable homes
  • Great cheese
  • Unique farm festivals

Pros of moving from Wisconsin to Washington

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to mild winters
  • Look forward to moving away from limited tech jobs and moving to Washington with a thriving tech industry
  • Swap the flat landscapes of Wisconsin for scenic mountains in Washington
  • Get ready for ample outdoor adventures in Washington

Cons of moving from Wisconsin to Washington

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a friendly community in Wisconsin to live with an expensive cost of living in Washington
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a rich dairy culture and have to settle with the con of less focus on dairy
  • Time to bid farewell to affordable homes and get used to a costly housing market in Washington
  • Swap great cheese for less local cheese

Wisconsin vs. Washington: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonWisconsinWashington
Most iconic local food itemCheese CurdsSalmon
Most popular meat dishBratwurstTeriyaki
Most popular street food itemFried Cheese CurdsTacos
Most popular vegan foodBeer Cheese Soup (vegan version)Pho
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Canlis
  • Pike Place Chowder
  • Mamnoon
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 Wisconsin to Washington, you will be trading the iconic Cheese Curds of Wisconsin for the equally delicious Salmon of Washington. And while the locals in Wisconsin rave about their flavorful Bratwurst and sumptuous Fried Cheese Curds, Washington residents know they have tasty Teriyaki and Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Beer Cheese Soup (vegan version) they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Pho of Washington. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Wisconsin eateries like The Old Fashioned, Mader's, and Safe House. After the boxes are unpacked in Washington, don't wait too long before making your way to Washington's acclaimed eateries like Canlis, Pike Place Chowder, and Mamnoon.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Wisconsin and Washington

ComparisonWisconsinWashington
Typical Architecture StyleCraftsmanNorthwest Contemporary
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 listingLakefront property, Large yardsMountain views, Eco-friendly features
  • The Craftsman architecture that Wisconsin is known for will be replaced with the Northwest Contemporary architecture typical of Washington.
  • Compared to Wisconsin's real estate listings that commonly reference lakefront property and large yards, Washington real estate listings often highlight features like mountain views and eco-friendly attributes.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Washington is more walkable than Wisconsin.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Washington is more bike-friendly than Wisconsin.
  • Washington has more of an urban feel than Wisconsin.
  • Washington housing costs are 100% more expensive than they are in Wisconsin, with a median home price of $591,148 compared to Wisconsin’s $294,909.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Washington have increased by 49% compared to a 47% increase in Wisconsin.
  • Rent in Washington is 57.69% more expensive than in Wisconsin.

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

ComparisonWisconsinWashington
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 DisastersBlizzards, TornadoesEarthquakes, Volcanoes
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)82Β°F/62Β°F75Β°F/55Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)28Β°F/13Β°F47Β°F/36Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)34"38"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)48"16"
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Wisconsin to Washington. Washington gets 19% fewer sunshine days than Wisconsin.
  • Washington has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Wisconsin.
  • Say goodbye to the possible blizzards and tornadoes in Wisconsin, but be on the lookout for potential earthquakes and volcanoes in Washington.
  • Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Washington is 7 degrees cooler than in Wisconsin.
  • The average winter lows are 23 degrees warmer than they are in Wisconsin.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Washington. Washington receives 4 more inches of rain compared to Wisconsin.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Wisconsin and Washington

ComparisonWisconsinWashington
Avg. Household Income$70,996$91,306
Cost of Living Index95.65104.1
State Income Tax3.54% - 7.65%0%
Avg. Property Tax1.68%0.92%
Avg. Sales Tax5.4%6.5% - 10.5%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Healthcare, AgricultureTechnology, Aerospace, Agriculture
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyModerateLow
HomelessnessLowHigh
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Washington tend to earn about 29% more than those in Wisconsin
  • The COLI in Washington is 9% higher than what you are used to living in Wisconsin
  • Hooray, moving to WA means you'll no longer have state income taxes
  • The affluence in Washington is high compared to moderate affluence in Wisconsin
  • The poverty level is low in Washington compared to moderate poverty in Wisconsin
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Wisconsin and high in Washington

Political and Religious Climate in Wisconsin vs. Washington

ComparisonWisconsinWashington
Political Make-upSwing state; closely dividedLargely progressive, especially in urban areas
Local PoliticsMixed urban/rural political influencesUrban areas heavily influence politics
ReligionDiverse; with a notable Catholic presenceDiverse, less religious overall compared to the U.S. average
  • Wisconsin tends to lean swing state and is closely divided in its political climate
  • Washington, on the other hand, is often described as largely progressive, especially in urban areas
  • Washington's religious environment can be described as diverse and less religious overall compared to the U.S. average
  • Wisconsin's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as diverse with a notable Catholic presence

Education Guide When Moving from Wisconsin to Washington

ComparisonWisconsinWashington
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Wisconsin-Madison
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Marquette University
University of Washington
Washington State University
Western Washington University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsShorewood Hills Elementary
Madison; Swallow School
Hartland; Onalaska Kindergarten Center
Onalaska
Cascade Ridge Elementary
Issaquah; Medina Elementary
Medina; Challenge Elementary
Bellevue
Top 3 Middle SchoolsWhitefish Bay Middle
Whitefish Bay; Kromrey Middle
Middleton; Lake Shore Middle
Mequon
International School
Bellevue; Odle Middle School
Bellevue; Environmental & Adventure School
Kirkland
Top 3 High SchoolsEau Claire Memorial High
Eau Claire; Middleton High
Middleton; Brookfield East High
Brookfield
International School
Bellevue; Tesla STEM High School
Redmond; Newport Senior High
Bellevue
Top 3 private high schoolsUniversity School of Milwaukee
Milwaukee; Marquette University High
Milwaukee; Madison Country Day School
Waunakee
Lakeside School
Seattle; The Overlake School
Redmond; Seattle Preparatory School
Seattle
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsMadison Country Day School
Waunakee; University Lake School
Hartland; Brookfield Academy
Brookfield
The Bear Creek School
Redmond; Eastside Preparatory School
Kirkland; The Bush School
Seattle
Top 3 School DistrictsMequon-Thiensville School District; Elmbrook School District; Middleton-Cross Plains Area School DistrictLake Washington School District; Mercer Island School District; Bellevue School District

How Much Do Wisconsin to Washington Movers Cost?

Moving 1,850 miles from Wisconsin to Washington 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 - $8,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-4 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Above Average Moving LLC
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,251300 ft3$7.50
1 Bedroom$3,354450 ft3$7.45
2 Bedrooms$5,553750 ft3$7.40
3 Bedrooms$8,0901100 ft3$7.35
4 Bedrooms$11,6871600 ft3$7.30
5+ Bedrooms$13,0581800 ft3$7.25

Top Wisconsin to Washington Movers

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

TOP PICK
Elite Movers featured image

Elite Movers

Best moving company overall for Wisconsin to Washington

9.58/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Seattle Moves & More

Seattle Moves & More

9.55/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
MACS Moving and Storage featured image

MACS Moving and Storage

9.43/10
ExceptionalView details