Moving to Washington: Pros and Cons in 2025

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Aug 7, 2025
9 min read

Thinking about relocating to Washington? You’re not alone. The Evergreen State has a magnetic pull—whether you’re drawn to the buzz of Seattle or prefer the charm of its quiet small towns, there’s a perfect spot here for everyone.

There’s plenty to love about Washington, but before you dive into buying a home and relocating, make sure you weigh both the advantages and drawbacks.

We’ll break down all the key details about relocating to Washington to help you decide if it’s the right move for you.

Jump to the Washington information you are looking for:

Pros & cons
Attractions
Fun facts
Population & demographics
Weather
Income & cost of living
Top schools
Top movers to WA
Top car shippers to WA
FAQs

Pros & cons of living in Washington

Moving to Washington comes with lots of perks, but there are also some hurdles you’ll want to keep in mind.

Check out the main perks and drawbacks of living in the Evergreen State to see if it’s the right fit for you.

Pros of living in Washington

✓Beautiful landscapes
✓Ample economic opportunity
✓High quality of life
✓Bountiful recreational opportunities
✓Delicious seafood

Cons of living in Washington

✖Constant rain
✖Bad traffic
✖High cost of living
✖High crime rate
✖Natural disasters

Things to do in Washington

Whether you’re moving to Washington for a fresh start, a new job, or to be near family, you’re in for a treat. From famous attractions to hidden gems, Washington is bursting with adventures and exciting opportunities waiting for you every day..

If you’re traveling with friends or flying solo and ready to make new connections, these destinations have you covered. With tons of choices, you’re sure to find a place that fits your vibe and instantly feels welcoming.

Popular Attractions in Washington

Olympic National Park
Mount Rainier National Park
The Space Needle and Seattle Center
Pike Place Market
The Museum of Flight
Snoqualmie Falls
Lake Chelan
Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument
North Cascades National Park
San Juan Islands

Museums in Washington

Chihuly Garden and Glass
The Museum of Flight
LeMay – America’s Car Museum
Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum
USS Turner Joy Museum Ship
Museum of Glass
Hibulb Cultural Center
Puget Sound Navy Museum
Pacific Bonsai Museum
Imagine Children’s Museum

Parks in Washington

Mount Rainier National Park
Olympic National Park
North Cascades National Park
Deception Pass State Park
Lake Wenatchee State Park
Palouse Falls State Park
Lime Kiln Point State Park
Gingko Petrified Forest State Park
Cape Disappointment State Park
Birch Bay State Park

Fun facts about Washington

Each state has its own personality — shaped by its history, culture, and the people who call it home. Getting to know the little details and sill traditions can give you a better sense of what life there is really like.

These fun facts about Washington, will give you a glimpse at what makes the state unique, and may even give you a few more reasons to make the move.

The state of Washington is the only state to be named after a United States president.
Seattle is home to the first revolving restaurant, 1961.
Washington state produces more apples than any other state in the union.
Washington state has more glaciers than the other 47 contiguous states combined.
Washington state’s capitol building was the last state capitol building to be built with a rotunda.
Everett is the site of the world’s largest building, Boeing’s final assembly plant
Medina is the home of the United States wealthiest man, Microsoft’s Bill Gates.
The Northwestern most point in the contiguous U.S. is Cape Flattery on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula.
King county the largest county in Washington was originally named after William R. King, Vice President under Franklin Pierce; it was renamed in 1986, after civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Microsoft Corporation is located in Redmond.
Before it became a state, the territory was called Columbia (named after the Columbia River). When it was granted statehood, the name was changed to Washington, supposedly so people wouldn’t confuse it with The District of Columbia.
The highest point in Washington is Mount Rainier. It was named after Peter Rainier, a British soldier who fought against the Americans in the Revolutionary War.

Washington population and demographics

As you consider making the move to Washington, take a moment to dig deeper than just the stats—you’ll get a real feel for what life in the Evergreen State is all about.

If you choose a state with a bigger population, you’ll likely find more jobs, entertainment options, and better infrastructure. In contrast, states with fewer people often mean a quieter pace of life and close-knit communities.

Average education levels can show what job opportunities are available or how easy it is to access local schools and colleges. Meanwhile, a state’s political breakdown might reveal its core values and priorities.

Knowing who calls Washington home, their lifestyles, and what matters most to them can help you figure out if it’s the kind of place where you’ll feel at ease and find your community.

Metric	Washington
Population	7,812,880
Female	49.6%
Male	50.4%
College graduation rate	40.97%
Political leaning	Democratic
Crime index	37.32

Washington weather

Weather plays a big role in everyday life, so it’s smart to consider it when deciding if Washington is right for you. Looking at the average temperatures and precipitation each season can help you figure out how much time you’ll spend outdoors, what kind of gear you’ll need, and how you’ll deal with changing conditions.

Scorching summer days can send your energy bills soaring and keep you cranking the AC, while frigid winters call for a ready closet and a reliable heating system. When snow arrives, you might face anything from a gentle flurry to a heavy storm that throws off your travel and daily routine.

If you love the sun, prefer cooler temps, or want to avoid snowy winters, knowing what Washington’s climate is like can help you figure out if it’s the right match for your lifestyle.

Metric	Washington
Summer high	79ºF
Winter low	31ºF
Annual rain	38″
Annual snow	18″

Income and cost of living in Washington

Digging into top industries, typical salaries, housing prices, and everyday expenses gives you a real sense of how practical—and affordable—life in Washington can be.

Understanding the main industries in the area gives you a clear idea of job prospects and long-term stability in your field. And since housing costs are likely to have a big impact on whether you rent or buy, they’re an essential part of your moving decision.

The cost of living index shows how much your money is really worth compared to the national average. If the index is lower, you can expect to spend less on essentials like groceries, transportation, and housing.

These numbers do more than just sit on a page—they give you a real look at how your current lifestyle stacks up against what Washington has to offer, so you can make your move feeling confident and in the know.

The main economic industries in the state include:

Real estate and rental and leasing ($77.6 billion)
Information ($71.6 billion)
Manufacturing ($64.6 billion)
Professional and business services ($59.7 billion)
Retail trade ($47.2 billion)
Educational services, health care, and social assistance ($38.9 billion)
Wholesale trade ($28.4 billion)
Construction ($24.2 billion)
Finance and insurance ($21.9 billion)
Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation, and food services ($21.3 billion)

Metric	Washington
Average rent cost	$1,900
Average home cost	$588,856
Average income (per capita)	$90,325
Cost of living index*	115
Unemployment rate	4.8%
Average sales tax	Not available
State income tax	0.0%

*To figure out the cost of living in each state, there’s a 100-point index, known as the cost of living index. This metric starts with a baseline number of 100. States with a number below that are less expensive to live in while states with numbers higher than 100 are more expensive to live in.

Top schools in Washington

If great schools and universities matter to you, checking out a state’s education scene can tell you a lot about its job market and overall atmosphere.

If having access to excellent schools matters to you—whether you’re pursuing more education, have kids getting ready to graduate, or simply want strong academic choices—Washington is a smart place to consider.

Here are some of the top schools in Washington:

University of Washington
Washington State University
Western Washington University
The Evergreen State College
Seattle University
Gonzaga University
Eastern Washington University
Central Washington University
Whitman College
Seattle Pacific University
Pacific Lutheran University
University of Puget Sound
Bastyr University
Bellevue College

Finding the best moving company for your relocation to Washington

We’ve reviewed 2,756 moving companies, with 90 being in Washington, and worked directly with customers to identify the top movers across the country.

If you’re planning on moving to the Evergreen State, here are the best moving companies to help you transport your belongings to your new home wherever you are headed from.

Cost of moving to Washington

Before making your move to Washington, it’s smart to get an idea of what you’ll spend on movers. On average, you’re looking at around $136 per hour for professional help. Your final price will depend on how much you’re bringing with you and the distance you’re traveling—cross-country relocations are going to cost more than a shorter move within the state.

Your choice of moving style can have a major impact on your overall costs.

For a budget-friendly move, check out one of the best moving container companies. You’re in charge of packing and loading, while they take care of the driving—offering a great balance between a DIY move and hiring full-service professionals.

Looking to cut costs? Renting a moving truck is your cheapest bet. You’ll handle everything yourself—from packing and loading to driving and unloading.

If you’d prefer to skip the heavy lifting, professional interstate movers can handle everything for you. Remember, this level of convenience can be pricey, so it’s smart to compare quotes from multiple companies to find the best fit for your budget and needs.

Company	Quote	Rating
Safeway Moving	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5
Mayzlin Relocation	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5
BLVD Moving	Get A Quote	4.3 / 5
PODS	Get A Quote	4.8 / 5
American Van Lines	Get A Quote	4.5 / 5

Cost to bring your car to Washington

Bringing a car with you? Use our car shipping calculator below to estimate how much it’ll cost to transport your vehicle to Washington.

Washington car insurance requirements

Washington drivers must have at least $25,000 for individual bodily injury, $50,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $10,000 for property damage to comply with the law and improve road safety.

Washington drivers license requirements

You need a Washington driver’s license to register your vehicle in the state. Do this within 30 days of moving. If you already have a valid license from another state, you’ll just need to prove you live in Washington. No extra exams are required.

FAQ

Is it worth it to move to Washington?

Moving to Washington is worth it if you’re interested in popular attractions the state has to offer, enjoy the local weather, and the cost of living fits your budget. You should spend some time weighing all the pros and cons to determine if Washington is a good fit for you and your lifestyle.

How much money should I have to move to Washington?

On the cost of living index, Washington has a score of 115. You can use the cost of living index, based on a 100-point scale, to determine a state’s relative affordability. This cost of living index uses 100 as the baseline, so states with a number under 100 are less expensive, and states scoring over 100 are more expensive.

What salary do I need to live comfortably in Washington?

The average income in WA is $90,325, and the an unemployment rate is 4.8. Home prices are $588,856, on average, and monthly rent is typically around $1,900.

What is the downside of living in Washington?

Like any place, Washington has its drawbacks to consider before moving there.

The most common downsides of living in Evergreen State include:

Constant rain
Bad traffic
High cost of living
High crime rate
Natural disasters

Washington Moving Resources

moveBuddha Migration Reports

With over 400,000 people utilizing our website to help plan their moves, we have up to date, deep insight into the most popular places people are moving to and from right now.