Factors affecting the cost of moving from VA to WA
There are many factors that influence
Virginia moving costs.
The cost to move from Virginia 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 Virginia 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 VA to WA
If you’re moving to Washington from Virginia, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: Virginia vs. Washington
|
Virginia |
Washington |
| Average rent cost |
$1,440 |
$1,900 |
| Average home cost |
$392,682 |
$588,856 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$87,249 |
$90,325 |
| Cost of Living Index |
0 |
115 |
| Unemployment rate |
2.9% |
4.8% |
| Average Sales Tax |
5.73% |
6.5% |
| State Income Tax |
5.75% |
0.0% |
-
Rent is about 32% more expensive in Washington than in Virginia.
-
Home prices are about 50% higher in Washington than in Virginia.
-
The average income is about 4% higher in Washington than in Virginia.
-
Cost of living is inf% lower in Washington than in Virginia.
-
Washington has a higher unemployment rate than Virginia by about 66%.
-
Sales taxes are 13% higher in Washington than in Virginia.
-
Washington has no income tax.
How life is different in Washington vs. Virginia
|
Washington |
Virginia |
| Population |
7,812,880 |
8,715,698 |
| Political leaning |
Democratic |
Democratic 52-48 |
| Summer high |
79ºF |
87ºF |
| Winter low |
31ºF |
25ºF |
| Annual rain |
38" |
44" |
| Annual snow |
18" |
14" |
| Crime index |
37.32 |
19.3 |
-
The population of Washington is approximately 10% lower than the population of Virginia.
-
In the last presidential election, Washington voted Democratic and Virginia voted Democratic.
-
The average high in the summertime in Washington is 79ºF
and in Virginia, it’s 87ºF.
-
During the coldest part of the year, Washington reaches the temperature of 31ºF
and Virginia gets down to 25ºF.
-
You can expect about 38 inches of annual rainfall in Washington versus 44 inches of rainfall in Virginia.
-
In Washington, it snows about 18 inches annually
versus 14 inches of snow in Virginia.
-
Washington has a higher crime rate than Virginia with a crime index
of 37.32 vs. 19.3.
Comparing the pros of Virginia 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 Virginia.
| Pros of living in Virginia |
Pros of living in Washington |
| Strong economy |
Beautiful landscapes |
| Beautiful scenery |
Ample economic opportunity |
| Abundance of outdoor activities |
High quality of life |
| Enjoyable four season weather |
Bountiful recreational opportunities |
| Strong military presence |
Delicious seafood |
Comparing the cons of living in Virginia 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 Virginia for Washington.
| Cons of living in Virginia |
Cons of living in Washington |
| High cost of living |
Constant rain |
| Unpredictable weather |
Bad traffic |
| Bad traffic congestion |
High cost of living |
| Lack of public transportation |
High crime rate |
| Air noise pollution |
Natural disasters |
Other things to consider for your Virginia 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.
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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 Virginia to Washington?
Do movers transport your car from Virginia 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 Virginia to Washington
separately through one of the top car shipping companies.
What are the benefits of moving from Virginia to Washington?
The main reasons people are moving from Virginia to Washington are the amazing upsides of living in Washington such as
beautiful landscapes and ample economic opportunity.
Is it cheaper to live in Virginia or Washington?
It is generally cheaper to live in Virginia than in Washington.
Housing
is much more affordable in Virginia,
with average rent about 24% less
and home prices 33% 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.
Helpful moving resources
Best overall value
