Factors affecting the cost of moving from ID to WAtoggle

There are many factors that influence Idaho moving costs. The cost to move from Idaho to Washington will depend on these factors:

  • Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
  • Time of year: The peak moving season in Idaho is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.

What to know before moving from ID to WA

If you’re moving to Washington from Idaho, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of living: Idaho vs. Washington

Idaho Washington
Average rent cost $1,061 $1,900
Average home cost $451,520 $588,856
Average income (per capita) $70,214 $90,325
Cost of Living Index 106 115
Unemployment rate 3.7% 4.8%
Average Sales Tax 6.03% 6.5%
State Income Tax 5.8% 0.0%
source: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation
  • Rent is about 79% more expensive in Washington than in Idaho.
  • Home prices are about 30% higher in Washington than in Idaho.
  • The average income is about 29% higher in Washington than in Idaho.
  • Cost of living is 8% lower in Washington than in Idaho.
  • Washington has a higher unemployment rate than Idaho by about 30%.
  • Sales taxes are 8% higher in Washington than in Idaho.
  • Washington has no income tax.

How life is different in Washington vs. Idaho

Washington Idaho
Population 7,812,880 1,964,726
Political leaning Democratic Republican 70-30
Summer high 79ºF 85ºF
Winter low 31ºF 17ºF
Annual rain 38" 18"
Annual snow 18" 47"
Crime index 37.32 11.68
source: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces
  • The population of Washington is approximately 298% greater than the population of Idaho.
  • In the last presidential election, Washington voted Democratic and Idaho voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Washington is 79ºF and in Idaho, it’s 85ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Washington reaches the temperature of 31ºF and Idaho gets down to 17ºF.
  • You can expect about 38 inches of annual rainfall in Washington versus 18 inches of rainfall in Idaho.
  • In Washington, it snows about 18 inches annually versus 47 inches of snow in Idaho.
  • Washington has a higher crime rate than Idaho with a crime index of 37.32 vs. 11.68.

Comparing the pros of Idaho vs. Washington

Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in Washington compared to Idaho.

Pros of living in Idaho Pros of living in Washington
Ample economic opportunity Beautiful landscapes
Low cost of living Ample economic opportunity
High quality of life High quality of life
Beautiful landscapes Bountiful recreational opportunities
Bountiful recreational opportunities Delicious seafood

Comparing the cons of living in Idaho vs. Washington

Everything can’t be sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live. Here are some things to be aware of when leaving Idaho for Washington.

Cons of living in Idaho Cons of living in Washington
Low diversity Constant rain
Harsh winters Bad traffic
Political dominance High cost of living
Isolation High crime rate
Competitive housing Natural disasters

Other things to consider for your Idaho to Washington movetoggle

  • Weather: Washington state rarely experiences extreme weather to worry about. Your move should be unaffected by the weather conditions. However, it's always a good idea to check the forecast ahead of time and maybe prepare for a little rain!
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • 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 the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Washington moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: Washington does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • 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: Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance — also called “released value protection” — free of charge to all moving customers. 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Things to do in Washingtontoggle

While you’re in Washington, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:

  • 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
  • Leavenworth
  • Museum of Glass
  • Washington State Capitol Building
  • Bellingham
  • Puget Sound
  • Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
  • Spokane Riverfront Park
  • Deception Pass State Park
  • Washington State Ferries
  • Port Angeles
source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to move from Idaho to Washington?toggle

Hiring a full-service Idaho moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually the cheaper way to go, but requires more work. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.

Do movers transport your car from Idaho to Washington?toggle

Some full-service movers can coordinate auto transport for you as part of your relocation package for an additional fee. But you can also handle vehicle transport from Idaho to Washington separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

What are the benefits of moving from Idaho to Washington?toggle

The main reasons people are moving from Idaho to Washington are the amazing upsides of living in Washington such as beautiful landscapes and ample economic opportunity.

Is it cheaper to live in Idaho or Washington?toggle

It is generally cheaper to live in Idaho than in Washington. Housing is much more affordable in Idaho, with average rent about 44% less and home prices 23% lower than in Washington. Washington has no income tax.

How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Washington?toggle

You should make approximately $69,323 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Washington. The cost of living in Washington is approximately $3,148 per month for an individual and $8,036 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in Washington you live For example, larger cities like Seattle and Spokane will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

Helpful moving resources

Idaho moving services

Popular Idaho routes

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