Best overall value
Local moving companies in Boston
- Oscar's Moving Company: 5.0 out of 5 stars
- Boston Best Rate Movers: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- Olympia Moving & Storage: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- StairHopper Movers: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Poseidon Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 31320
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 1637689
Alternate Names: Oscar's Moving Company
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 31391
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 1718049
Alternate Names: Flat Rate Moving & Storage, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 70719
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 70719
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 31321
Years in Business: 21
DOT #: 1696867
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 31816
Pricing: $120/hr
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2522855
Alternate Names: Poseidon Moving, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Factors influencing moving costs from Boston to Seattle
What to know before moving from Boston to Seattle
Moving from Boston to Seattle means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Boston than in Seattle, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Boston compares to Seattle so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Boston | Seattle | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $3,400 | $1,975 |
| Average home value | $739,121 | $842,068 |
| Average income (per capita) | $89,212 | $77,845 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $4,820 | $3,740 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $11,304 | $9,801 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.2% | 4.8% |
| Sales tax | 6.25% | 10.35% |
| State income tax | 9.0% | 0.0% |
- Rent prices in Seattle are 42% lower than in Boston, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
- The home prices in Seattle are 13.9% higher than in Boston, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
- Income in Seattle is 12.7% lower than in Boston, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Seattle — including Amazon.com, Starbucks, and Costco Wholesale — may pay more.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Seattle. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 22.4% lower than in Boston.
- A move to Seattle can help cut down on a family’s routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 13.3% less than what it costs in Boston.
- The unemployment rate in Seattle is 22.58% lower than in Boston.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Seattle, since its sales taxes are 65.60% higher than what you are paying in Boston.
- One perk of moving to Seattle is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Boston.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,327.80 in Seattle to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Boston.
How life is different in Boston vs. Seattle
| Seattle | Boston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 737,015 | 675,647 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 8 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 74 | 98 |
| Bike friendliness score | 71 | 86 |
| Crime Index | 58.88 | 39.88 |
| Safety Index | 49.23 | 60.12 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Seattle's population is about 9% greater than Boston.
- Seattle's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus Boston's higher score of 9.
- Seattle is less walkable than Boston with a score of 74 out of 100 vs Boston's 98 out of 100.
- Seattle has a bike-friendliness score 71 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Boston, which has a score of 86 out of 100.
- Seattle's crime rate is higher than Boston with a score of 58.88 compared to Boston's 39.88. This means that Seattle neighborhoods are safer than 58.88% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Boston neighborhoods are safer than 39.88%.
- Seattle is considered to be less safe than Boston with a score of 49.23 vs Boston's 60.12.
- Air quality in Seattle is good, and in Boston it's good.
Other things to consider for your Boston vs. Seattle move
- Weather: Although Seattle has a reputation for frequent rain, the climate in Seattle is very unlikely to affect your move.
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- 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 through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Washington does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Seattle. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you\'ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Seattle
Now that you've chosen Emerald City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Seattle to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Ballard
- Capitol Hill
- Fremont
- Lower Queen Anne
- South Lake Union
Best neighborhoods for families
- Greenwood
- Laurelhurst
- Magnolia
- Upper Queen Anne
- West Seattle
Things to do in Seattle
After getting comfortable in your new Washington home, it's time to see what Seattle is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Seattle, such as the Museum of Popular Culture (MoPOP), Olympic Sculpture Park, National Nordic Museum, Chihuly Garden and Glass, and Museum of Flight.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Discovery Park, Olympic Sculpture Park, Green Lake Park, and Carkeek Park — along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Seattle Seahawks (NFL), Seattle Mariners (MLB), Seattle Kraken (NHL), or Seattle Sounders FC (MLS) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Boston to Seattle?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Boston to Seattle You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Boston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Boston to Seattle?
Because spring and fall moves from Boston to Seattle are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Boston to Seattle take?
The 3,044-mile journey from Boston, MA to Seattle, WA, typically takes seven to 21 days. Some movers in Boston offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Seattle.
