FAQ
How much does it cost to move from Arizona to Washington?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,230 – $4,558 | $957 – $2,211 | $824 – $1,531 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,848 – $6,388 | $1,709 – $3,563 | $864 – $1,840 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,805 – $9,187 | $2,210 – $4,657 | $1,123 – $2,411 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,230 – $4,558
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,848 – $6,388
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,805 – $9,187
How much do moving containers cost from Arizona to Washington?
- Small move: $957 – $2,211
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,709 – $3,563
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,210 – $4,657
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $824 – $1,531
- 2–3 bedrooms: $864 – $1,840
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,123 – $2,411
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Which option is usually the cheapest?
A rental truck is generally the cheapest option — but you’ll handle the driving and labor yourself.
Why are these prices ranges (not exact quotes)?
These are approximate estimates for a 1,448-mile move from AZ to WA using moveBuddha pricing data as of Dec 15, 2025. Pricing is refreshed monthly to reflect seasonal and market changes.
Final costs can vary based on move size, add-on services, parking/access challenges, fuel rates, and scheduling.
How do I get the most accurate price for my exact move?
Compare quotes from multiple movers to dial in a precise number.
What “extra costs” should I plan for after moving from AZ to WA?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| Arizona | Washington | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,308 | $1,900 |
| Average home cost | $428,711 | $588,856 |
| Average income (per capita) | $72,581 | $90,325 |
| Cost of living index | 107 | 115 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.6% | 4.8% |
| Average sales tax | 8.4% | 6.5% |
| State income tax | 2.5% | 0.0% |
Will rent be more expensive in Washington?
Rent is about 45% higher in Washington than in Arizona.
Avg rent: $1,308 vs. $1,900
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 37% higher in Washington than in Arizona.
Avg home value: $428,711 vs. $588,856
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 24% higher in Washington than in Arizona.
Avg income (per capita): $72,581 vs. $90,325
Is the overall cost of living higher in Washington?
The cost of living is 7% higher in Washington than in Arizona.
Cost of living index: 107 vs. 115
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 23% lower in Washington than in Arizona.
Avg sales tax: 8.4% vs. 6.5%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Washington has no state income tax, so you may keep more of your paycheck compared to Arizona.
State income tax: 2.5% vs. 0.0%
How is daily life different in Washington compared to Arizona?
A move brings shifts that go beyond housing and work — weather, safety, and community size all matter.
| Washington | Arizona | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 7,812,880 | 7,431,344 |
| Political leaning | Democratic | Democrat 56-44 |
| Summer high | 79ºF | 99ºF |
| Winter low | 31ºF | 34ºF |
| Annual rain | 38″ | 12″ |
| Annual snow | 18″ | 6″ |
| Crime index | 37.32 | 24.89 |
Will Washington feel more crowded than Arizona?
Washington and Arizona have similar population sizes, so the “crowdedness” difference may be minimal.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, Washington voted Democratic while Arizona voted Democrat.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Washington is cooler on average (79°F vs. 99°F).
Winter: Lows are very similar (31°F vs. 34°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Washington?
Rain: Washington gets more rain (38″ vs. 12″).
Snow: Washington gets more snow (18 inches vs. 6 inches).
Is Washington safer than Arizona?
Washington has a higher crime index than Arizona (37.32 vs. 24.89). Research neighborhoods to find the best fit.
What are some things to do in Washington?
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
Parks in Washington
- Mount Rainier National Park
- Olympic National Park
- North Cascades National Park
- Deception Pass State Park
- Lake Wenatchee State Park
Sports teams in Washington
- OL Reign Soccer (NWSL)
- Seattle Kraken (NHL)
- Seattle Mariners (MLB)
- Seattle Seahawks (NFL)
- Seattle Sounders FC (MLS)
Universities in Washington
- University of Washington
- Washington State University
- Western Washington University
- The Evergreen State College
- Seattle University
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your Arizona to Washington move
- HOA rules: Double-check your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises and keep everything running smoothly.
- Elevator reservation: One common issue you should handle ahead of your move is reserving the building’s elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
- Parking permits: Some cities require you to get a parking permit for moving trucks. Check your new local regulations before moving day so you’re not caught off guard.
- State licensing: Movers operating within Washington DC city limits are subject to regulation by the Utilities and Transportation Commission, which issues operating permits to household goods moving companies. Make sure your moving company has the right licenses before you book with them.
- State regulator: Quickly check the status of a Washington moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: No moving permit is required in Washington, but be sure to check local parking regulations before your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to Washington. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: By law, interstate moving companies are required to provide basic insurance coverage, known as “released value protection,” at no extra cost. When planning a move in Washington state, explore movers’ insurance options for added peace of mind. Many moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Enhance your protection by discussing Full Value Protection with the moving company or exploring personalized plans with third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your Washington state moving insurance.
- Moving checklist: Keep your move stress-free with our handy moving checklist. It’s the easiest way to make sure nothing gets overlooked.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Double-check your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises and keep everything running smoothly.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
One common issue you should handle ahead of your move is reserving the building’s elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in Washington?
Some cities require you to get a parking permit for moving trucks. Check your new local regulations before moving day so you’re not caught off guard.
How can I confirm a mover is properly licensed in Washington?
Movers operating within Washington DC city limits are subject to regulation by the Utilities and Transportation Commission, which issues operating permits to household goods moving companies.
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a Washington moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in Washington?
No moving permit is required in Washington, but be sure to check local parking regulations before your move.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. Get started here.
By law, interstate moving companies must provide basic insurance (“released value protection”) at no extra cost. When planning a move in Washington state, explore movers’ insurance options for added peace of mind. Many moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Enhance your protection by discussing Full Value Protection with the moving company or exploring personalized plans with third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your Washington state moving insurance.
Some movers in Arizona offer discounts: 1 AAA discounts; 2 military discounts; 5 senior discounts; 1 student discounts;
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary—confirm with each mover before booking.
Keep your move stress-free with our handy moving checklist. It’s the easiest way to make sure nothing gets overlooked.
Helpful moving resources
Arizona moving services
Popular Arizona routes
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