Factors affecting the cost of moving from NC to WA
There are many factors that influence
North Carolina moving costs.
The cost to move from North Carolina 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 North Carolina 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 NC to WA
If you’re moving to Washington from North Carolina, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: North Carolina vs. Washington
|
North Carolina |
Washington |
| Average rent cost |
$1,093 |
$1,900 |
| Average home cost |
$328,715 |
$588,856 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$66,186 |
$90,325 |
| Cost of Living Index |
96 |
115 |
| Unemployment rate |
3.7% |
4.8% |
| Average Sales Tax |
6.98% |
6.5% |
| State Income Tax |
4.5% |
0.0% |
-
Rent is about 74% more expensive in Washington than in North Carolina.
-
Home prices are about 79% higher in Washington than in North Carolina.
-
The average income is about 36% higher in Washington than in North Carolina.
-
Cost of living is 20% lower in Washington than in North Carolina.
-
Washington has a higher unemployment rate than North Carolina by about 30%.
-
Sales taxes are 7% lower in Washington than in North Carolina.
-
Washington has no income tax.
How life is different in Washington vs. North Carolina
|
Washington |
North Carolina |
| Population |
7,812,880 |
10,835,491 |
| Political leaning |
Democratic |
Republican 51-49 |
| Summer high |
79ºF |
88ºF |
| Winter low |
31ºF |
29ºF |
| Annual rain |
38" |
48" |
| Annual snow |
18" |
4" |
| Crime index |
37.32 |
24.69 |
-
The population of Washington is approximately 28% lower than the population of North Carolina.
-
In the last presidential election, Washington voted Democratic and North Carolina voted Republican.
-
The average high in the summertime in Washington is 79ºF
and in North Carolina, it’s 88ºF.
-
During the coldest part of the year, Washington reaches the temperature of 31ºF
and North Carolina gets down to 29ºF.
-
You can expect about 38 inches of annual rainfall in Washington versus 48 inches of rainfall in North Carolina.
-
In Washington, it snows about 18 inches annually
versus 4 inches of snow in North Carolina.
-
Washington has a higher crime rate than North Carolina with a crime index
of 37.32 vs. 24.69.
Comparing the pros of North Carolina 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 North Carolina.
| Pros of living in North Carolina |
Pros of living in Washington |
| Great communities |
Beautiful landscapes |
| Low cost of living |
Ample economic opportunity |
| Ample economic opportunity |
High quality of life |
| High quality of life |
Bountiful recreational opportunities |
| Bountiful recreational opportunities |
Delicious seafood |
Comparing the cons of living in North Carolina 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 North Carolina for Washington.
| Cons of living in North Carolina |
Cons of living in Washington |
| Hurricanes |
Constant rain |
| Bland weather |
Bad traffic |
| High crime rate |
High cost of living |
| High tax burden |
High crime rate |
| Poor education |
Natural disasters |
Other things to consider for your North Carolina to Washington move
- 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 Washington
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
Helpful moving resources
North Carolina moving services
Popular North Carolina routes
Best overall value
