Planning your move to the Evergreen State? You’re not alone! 2024 saw 84,550 people moving to Washington, which is why the state’s population reached 8 million this year.
Home to major tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft, Washington has a thriving job market. WA has a median household income of $93,440, which is one of the highest in the country. Moreover, the state’s $0 income tax appeals to potential movers.
3 Reasons to Move to Washington
Washington is one of the favorite relocation destinations for Americans. Here are three reasons to move to WA:
| # | Reasons to Move to WA | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Cost of Living | The cost of living in Washington is 14% higher than the national average. |
| 2. | Tax Benefits | The Evergreen State does not impose any state income taxes. |
| 3. | Employment | Washington aims to add 1.5 million jobs by 2032 across different sectors. |
1. Cost of Living
The cost of living in Washington is 14% higher than the national average. However, it is lower than other major states in the US. This includes California and New York, where living costs are 38% and 26% above the national average.
Here’s a breakdown of monthly expenses in Washington’s popular cities:
| City | Median Home Price | Median Rent | Public Transport | Utilities | Food |
| Seattle | $874,950 | $1,900 | $161 | $223.04 | $707 |
| Bellevue | $1,600,00 | $2,695 | $79.2 | $168.71 | $700 |
| Bellingham | $641,250 | $1,792 | $57 | $156.38 | $664 |
| Spokane | $365,342 | $1,355 | $80 | $144.54 | $639 |
2. Tax Benefits
Washington is one of the few US states with no state income tax. For instance, if you earn $70,000 in WA, your after-tax income remains $70,000. In comparison, if you earned the same in California, where the income tax rate is 9.3%, you would lose on $6,510.
Additionally, property taxes in Washington are 1.03% of a home’s value, which is comparatively lower than in states like New Jersey, where they are 2.47%. The current sales tax in Washington is 6.5%.
3. Employment Opportunities
Washington’s robust economy offers various employment opportunities across several industries. The Evergreen State aims to add 1.5 million new jobs by the end of 2032.
- Healthcare: The healthcare sector is fast-growing and projected to add 61,800 jobs by 2032. Major employers include Providence, Kaiser Permanente, and Labcorp.
- Technology: There is a high demand for jobs in cybersecurity, software development, and management consulting. This sector is expected to grow by 58,400 jobs by 2032. Key employers include Amazon, Microsoft, and Google.
- Manufacturing: This sector will add approximately 11,400 jobs by 2032. The growth will focus on high-tech manufacturing, aerospace, and biotechnology. Boeing and Blue Origin are expected to remain major employers.
- Professional and Business Services: This sector is projected to see the largest growth, with 91,500 new jobs by 2032. The demand will rise for professionals in legal, accounting, engineering, and management services.
Cost of Moving to Washington State💲
There are additional costs involved in moving from one state to another. Here’s a breakdown of costs you may incur while relocating to WA:
1. Moving Costs ~ $651 to $5,996
Moving to WA involves several costs, including the costs involved in moving your belongings.
- Washington moving companies typically cost $182 per hour. However, this figure depends entirely on your belongings and the distance traveled.
- If you want to DIY your move, renting a truck can be a better option. The average rent of a mid-size moving truck with a load capacity of 4,000-6,000 pounds ranges between $40 and $80 per day.
- 👉 Tip: Moving can be expensive, especially if you are selling your home before you move. In this case, you can use a Flat Fee MLS company to save on listing agent commissions. This way, you can have additional cash when you move to Washington state.
2. Utility Expenses ~ $400 to $500 Per Month
Apart from moving and housing costs, you will have to incur utility expenses when migrating to Washington.
- When relocating to Washington, you must set up utilities like gas, electricity, water, etc. The average utility bill in WA is around $401/month.
- You will have to register your vehicle in Washington. The first-time registration cost of a passenger vehicle in WA is $30. A standard title transfer costs around $10.
3. Housing Costs
Housing costs in the Evergreen State can vary depending on your location.
- In popular cities like Seattle, Bellevue, and Kent, the average rent ranges between $1,500 and $3,000.
- However, if you’re looking to buy a house in Washington, home prices vary across the state. Make sure you find cheap houses for sale in Washington in your budget. Coastal cities like Bellingham have a median home price of $641K. On the other hand, the average cost of a home in inland cities like Olympia is $500K.
4 Tips for a Seamless Move to Washington ✅
Moving to a new place can be tough. Here are some tips to help you make a smooth transition.
- Research Cities and Neighborhoods: It’s important to research the area you want to live in. You must know if your home is in the city or suburbs. Find out where the nearby schools, hospitals, coffee shops, or restaurants are.
- Find the Living Costs: Your living costs will change once you migrate. Before moving to WA, get an estimate of the basic living expenses in your desired location.
- Visit the Neighborhood: Once you’ve decided where you want to live. You must visit that Washington neighborhood in person and see what you feel about the area.
- Meet Your Neighbors: Connect with your neighbors and socialize. Local Facebook groups can be the best way to meet your neighbors.
