Key factors that impact the cost of your Lansing to Seattle movetoggle

The cost of Lansing movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Lansing to Seattle (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,613, while larger moves may reach $13,418 for a four-bedroom home.
  • Seasonal demand: Moving in the summer? Expect to pay more โ€” itโ€™s the busiest time of year for movers in Lansing.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $1,494 to $3,807, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Lansing to Seattle

Moving from Lansing to Seattle comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Seattle is generally more expensive than Lansing, itโ€™s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Lansing Seattle
Average rent cost $1,129 $1,975
Average home value $148,542 $842,068
Average income (per capita) $64,729 $77,845
Cost of living (single person) $1,595 $3,740
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,199 $9,801
Unemployment rate 7.4% 4.8%
Sales tax 6.0% 10.35%
State income tax 4.25% 0.0%
  • Rent prices in Seattle are 75% higher than in Lansing, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Lansing.
    Home prices in Seattle are 466.9% higher than in Lansing.
  • Income in Seattle is 20.3% higher than in Lansing, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Seattle include Amazon.com, Starbucks, and Costco Wholesale.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Seattle, since the cost of living for a single person in Seattle is 134.5% higher than in Lansing. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Seattle, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Seattle is 133.4% higher than in Lansing.
  • The unemployment rate in Seattle is 35.14% lower than in Lansing.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Seattle, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Seattle are 72.50% higher than in Lansing.
  • One perk of moving to Seattle is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Lansing.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $7,034.48 in Seattle to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Lansing.

How life is different in Lansing vs. Seattle

Seattle Lansing
Population 737,015 112,644
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 5
Walkability score 74 46
Bike friendliness score 71 55
Crime Index 58.88 48.66
Safety Index 49.23 51.34
Air Quality Good Good
  • The population of Seattle is about 554% greater than Lansing, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
  • Seattle offers better access to buses and trains than Lansing, based on public transportation ratings. Seattle has a transit score of 8 out of 10 compared to 5 in Lansing. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
  • Living in Seattle means youโ€™ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Lansing. Seattle is considered more walkable than Lansing, with a score of 74 out of 100 versus 46 out of 100 in Lansing. A cityโ€™s walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
  • If cycling is your thing, Seattle is considered more bike-friendly than Lansing in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Seattle has a bike-friendliness score of 71 out of 100, while Lansing is rated as 55 out of 100.
  • The crime rate in Seattle is higher than in Lansing, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 58.88 in Seattle, it is 48.66 in Lansing. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a cityโ€™s crime levels.
  • Seattle is generally as safe as Lansing, according to their similar safety index ratings. The ratings are based on how comfortable residents feel about walking alone during the daytime and nighttime and the number of small crimes like theft and muggings.
  • The air quality in Seattle and Lansing is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.

Other things to consider for your Lansing 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: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
  • Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
  • 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.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
  • State regulator: You can check the status of a Washington moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Washington doesn\โ€™t require moving permits, but it\โ€™s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
  • Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Youโ€™ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Seattle. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Where to live in Seattle

Ready to relocate to "Emerald City"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Seattle.

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

Once youโ€™re settled into your new home in Washington, itโ€™s time to get out and discover what Seattle has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโ€™s something for everyone here:

  • Arts and culture: Seattle features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Museum of Popular Culture (MoPOP), Olympic Sculpture Park, National Nordic Museum, Chihuly Garden and Glass, and Museum of Flight.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Discovery Park, Olympic Sculpture Park, Green Lake Park, and Carkeek Park โ€” among other spots โ€” perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
  • Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during 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 Lansing to Seattle?

The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Lansing to Seattle are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Lansing are lower.

When is the cheapest time to move from Lansing to Seattle?

With many people choosing to move from Lansing to Seattle in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.

How long does a move from Lansing to Seattle take?

Moving from Lansing, MI to Seattle, WA covers 2,264 miles and usually takes seven to 18 days. Need to move faster? Some Lansing movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Seattle.

Helpful moving resources