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Things to know before moving from North Carolina to Seattle, WA
Cost of living: North Carolina vs Seattle, WA
| North Carolina | Seattle | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,093 | $1,975 |
| Average home value | $328,715 | $842,068 |
| Average income (per capita) | $66,186 | $77,845 |
| Unemployment rate | 4% | 5% |
| State income tax | 5% | 0% |
Seattle sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent is about 81% more expensive in Seattle than in North Carolina.
- Home prices are about 156% higher in Seattle than in North Carolina.
- The average income is about 18% higher in Seattle than in North Carolina.
- Seattle has a higher unemployment rate than North Carolina by about 30%.
- Income taxes are 100% lower in Seattle than in North Carolina.
How life is different in Seattle from North Carolina
| Seattle | North Carolina | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 737,015 | 10,835,491 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 57-43 | Republican 51-49 |
| Summer high | 76ºF | 88ºF |
| Winter low | 36ºF | 29ºF |
| Annual rain | 38" | 48" |
| Annual snow | 5" | 4" |
| Crime index | 58.88 | 24.69 |
Seattle sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- The population of Seattle is approximately 93% lower than the population of North Carolina.
- In the last presidential election, Seattle voted Democratic and North Carolina voted Republican.
- The average high in the summertime in Seattle is 76ºF and in North Carolina, it’s 88ºF.
- During the coldest part of the year, Seattle reaches the temperature of 36ºF and North Carolina gets down to 29ºF.
- You can expect about 38 inches of annual rainfall in Seattle vs 48 inches of rainfall in North Carolina.
- In Seattle, it snows about 5 inches annually vs 4 inches of snow in North Carolina.
- Seattle has a higher crime rate than North Carolina with a crime index of 58.88 vs 24.69.
Things to do in Seattle
Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Seattle.
Museums in Seattle
Parks in Seattle
Sports Teams in Seattle
Universities in Seattle
Other considerations when moving to Seattle, WA
- 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: 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 and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Washington. Get started here.
- Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.
Compare the pros and cons of North Carolina vs. Seattle, WA
Comparing the pros of North Carolina vs. Seattle, WA:
There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in North Carolina vs Seattle side-by-side.
| Pros of living in North Carolina | Pros of living in Seattle, WA |
|---|---|
| Great communities | Beautiful nature |
| Low cost of living | Ample economic opportunity |
| Ample economic opportunity | Safe |
| High quality of life | Delicious seafood |
| Bountiful recreational opportunities | Bountiful arts and recreational activities |
Comparing the cons of living in North Carolina vs. Seattle, WA:
Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving North Carolina for Seattle.
| Cons of living in North Carolina | Cons of living in Seattle, WA |
|---|---|
| Hurricanes | High cost of living |
| Bland weather | Rainy weather |
| High crime rate | Xenophobic residents |
| High tax burden | Terrible traffic |
| Poor education | Expensive housing market |
FAQ
How long does a move from North Carolina to Seattle take?
The time frame for a move from North Carolina to Seattle, WA, varies based on your moving method and starting location. The actual loading up of your items should not take more than a day, even with DIY moves.
Obviously, the further upstate you are in North Carolina, the longer the drive time to Seattle will be. If you’re driving a rental truck, the move could be completed in one or two days, on average, depending on your route and how often you stop.
With professional movers or moving containers, delivery times to Seattle from North Carolina can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the company’s schedule and transit logistics. You can always ask for a general timeline before booking.
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from North Carolina to Seattle?
Because of the 2823-mile move, it’s best to book your move from North Carolina to Seattle as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Seattle, WA?
With the summer highs of 76ºF and the winter lows of 36ºF, most people move to Seattle from North Carolina during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy moving seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Seattle during summer or winter.
