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Things to know before moving from South Carolina to Seattle, WA
Cost of living: South Carolina vs Seattle, WA
| South Carolina | Seattle | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,065 | $1,975 |
| Average home value | $295,769 | $842,068 |
| Average income (per capita) | $63,623 | $77,845 |
| Unemployment rate | 5% | 5% |
| State income tax | 7% | 0% |
Seattle sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent is about 85% more expensive in Seattle than in South Carolina.
- Home prices are about 185% higher in Seattle than in South Carolina.
- The average income is about 22% higher in Seattle than in South Carolina.
- Seattle has a higher unemployment rate than South Carolina by about 2%.
- Income taxes are 100% lower in Seattle than in South Carolina.
How life is different in Seattle from South Carolina
| Seattle | South Carolina | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 737,015 | 5,373,555 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 57-43 | Republican 58-42 |
| Summer high | 76ºF | 91ºF |
| Winter low | 36ºF | 33ºF |
| Annual rain | 38" | 48" |
| Annual snow | 5" | 1" |
| Crime index | 58.88 | 28.0 |
Seattle sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- The population of Seattle is approximately 86% lower than the population of South Carolina.
- In the last presidential election, Seattle voted Democratic and South Carolina voted Republican.
- The average high in the summertime in Seattle is 76ºF and in South Carolina, it’s 91ºF.
- During the coldest part of the year, Seattle reaches the temperature of 36ºF and South Carolina gets down to 33ºF.
- You can expect about 38 inches of annual rainfall in Seattle vs 48 inches of rainfall in South Carolina.
- In Seattle, it snows about 5 inches annually vs 1 inch of snow in South Carolina.
- Seattle has a higher crime rate than South Carolina with a crime index of 58.88 vs 28.0.
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 South Carolina vs. Seattle, WA
Comparing the pros of South 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 South Carolina vs Seattle side-by-side.
| Pros of living in South Carolina | Pros of living in Seattle, WA |
|---|---|
| Warm southern hospitality | Beautiful nature |
| Plentiful outdoor activities | Ample economic opportunity |
| Beautiful landscapes | Safe |
| Consistently gorgeous weather | Delicious seafood |
| Rich historical significance | Bountiful arts and recreational activities |
Comparing the cons of living in South Carolina vs. Seattle, WA:
Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving South Carolina for Seattle.
| Cons of living in South Carolina | Cons of living in Seattle, WA |
|---|---|
| High cost of living | High cost of living |
| Hurricane frequency | Rainy weather |
| Low quality of healthcare | Xenophobic residents |
| High taxes | Terrible traffic |
| Abundance of construction | Expensive housing market |
FAQ
How long does a move from South Carolina to Seattle take?
The time frame for a move from South 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 South 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 South 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 South Carolina to Seattle?
Because of the 2840-mile move, it’s best to book your move from South 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 South 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.
