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Factors affecting the cost of moving from NY to WA
There are many factors that influence New York moving costs. The cost to move from New York 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 New York 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 NY to WA
If you’re moving to Washington from New York, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: New York vs. Washington
| New York | Washington | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,507 | $1,900 |
| Average home cost | $482,742 | $588,856 |
| Average income (per capita) | $81,386 | $90,325 |
| Cost of Living Index | 100 | 115 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.4% | 4.8% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.52% | 6.5% |
| State Income Tax | 10.9% | 0.0% |
- Rent is about 26% more expensive in Washington than in New York.
- Home prices are about 22% higher in Washington than in New York.
- The average income is about 11% higher in Washington than in New York.
- Cost of living is 15% lower in Washington than in New York.
- Washington has a higher unemployment rate than New York by about 9%.
- Sales taxes are 24% lower in Washington than in New York.
- Washington has no income tax.
How life is different in Washington vs. New York
| Washington | New York | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 7,812,880 | 19,571,216 |
| Political leaning | Democratic | Democratic 60-40 |
| Summer high | 79ºF | 81ºF |
| Winter low | 31ºF | 16ºF |
| Annual rain | 38" | 44" |
| Annual snow | 18" | 62" |
| Crime index | 37.32 | 21.51 |
- The population of Washington is approximately 60% lower than the population of New York.
- In the last presidential election, Washington voted Democratic and New York voted Democratic.
- The average high in the summertime in Washington is 79ºF and in New York, it’s 81ºF.
- During the coldest part of the year, Washington reaches the temperature of 31ºF and New York gets down to 16ºF.
- You can expect about 38 inches of annual rainfall in Washington versus 44 inches of rainfall in New York.
- In Washington, it snows about 18 inches annually versus 62 inches of snow in New York.
- Washington has a higher crime rate than New York with a crime index of 37.32 vs. 21.51.
Comparing the pros of New York 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 New York.
| Pros of living in New York | Pros of living in Washington |
|---|---|
| Natural beauty | Beautiful landscapes |
| Arts | Ample economic opportunity |
| Ample economic opportunity | High quality of life |
| Abundant outdoor recreational opportunities | Bountiful recreational opportunities |
| Distinct seasons | Delicious seafood |
Comparing the cons of living in New York 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 New York for Washington.
| Cons of living in New York | Cons of living in Washington |
|---|---|
| High tax burden | Constant rain |
| Rough winter weather | Bad traffic |
| High cost of living | High cost of living |
| Poor quality healthcare | High crime rate |
| Populous | Natural disasters |
Other things to consider for your New York 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
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from New York to Washington?
Hiring a full-service New York 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 New York to Washington?
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 New York to Washington separately through one of the top car shipping companies.
What are the benefits of moving from New York to Washington?
The main reasons people are moving from New York to Washington are the amazing upsides of living in Washington such as beautiful landscapes and ample economic opportunity.
Is it cheaper to live in New York or Washington?
It is generally cheaper to live in New York than in Washington. Housing is more affordable in New York, with average rent about 21% less and home prices 18% lower than in Washington. Washington has no income tax.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Washington?
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.
