Factors affecting the cost of moving from WA to CTtoggle

There are many factors that influence Washington moving costs. The cost to move from Washington to Connecticut 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 Washington 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 WA to CT

If you’re moving to Connecticut from Washington, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of living: Washington vs. Connecticut

Washington Connecticut
Average rent cost $1,900 $1,374
Average home cost $588,856 $405,595
Average income (per capita) $90,325 $90,213
Cost of Living Index 115 100
Unemployment rate 4.8% 3.0%
Average Sales Tax 6.5% 6.35%
State Income Tax 0.0% 3.0%
source: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation
  • Rent is about 28% less expensive in Connecticut than in Washington.
  • Home prices are about 31% lower in Connecticut than in Washington.
  • The average income is about the same in Connecticut and Washington.
  • Cost of living is 13% lower in Connecticut than in Washington.
  • Connecticut has a lower unemployment rate than Washington by about 38%.
  • Sales taxes are 2% lower in Connecticut than in Washington.
  • Income taxes are 3% higher in Connecticut than in Washington.

How life is different in Connecticut vs. Washington

Connecticut Washington
Population 3,617,176 7,812,880
Political leaning Democratic 56-44 Democratic
Summer high 83ºF 79ºF
Winter low 18ºF 31ºF
Annual rain 50" 38"
Annual snow 37" 18"
Crime index 16.44 37.32
source: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces
  • The population of Connecticut is approximately 54% lower than the population of Washington.
  • In the last presidential election, Connecticut voted Democratic and Washington voted Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in Connecticut is 83ºF and in Washington, it’s 79ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Connecticut reaches the temperature of 18ºF and Washington gets down to 31ºF.
  • You can expect about 50 inches of annual rainfall in Connecticut versus 38 inches of rainfall in Washington.
  • In Connecticut, it snows about 37 inches annually versus 18 inches of snow in Washington.
  • Connecticut has a lower crime rate than Washington with a crime index of 16.44 vs. 37.32.

Comparing the pros of Washington vs. Connecticut

Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in Connecticut compared to Washington.

Pros of living in Washington Pros of living in Connecticut
Beautiful landscapes Natural beauty
Ample economic opportunity Bountiful recreational opportunities
High quality of life Diverse lifestyle options
Bountiful recreational opportunities Great outdoor environment
Delicious seafood Amiable small communities

Comparing the cons of living in Washington vs. Connecticut

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 Washington for Connecticut.

Cons of living in Washington Cons of living in Connecticut
Constant rain High cost of living
Bad traffic Tough winter weather
High cost of living Bad traffic
High crime rate Heavy tax burdens
Natural disasters Low job opportunity

Other things to consider for your Washington to Connecticut movetoggle

  • Weather: Connecticut has decent weather, is familiar to any east coast native. In the North, there tend to be cold winters with moderate snowfall and hot, humid summers. In the South, there are cool winters with a mix of rain and infrequent snow, and hot humid summers.
  • 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: The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CDOT) regulates in-state moving companies and taxi, trucking, and bus companies. In addition, customers are also protected from scam movers by regulations set forth by the Connecticut State Department of Consumer Protection. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Connecticut moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: Connecticut 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 Connecticut. 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. Opting for Released Value Protection is a budget-friendly choice, as it comes at no extra cost from movers, although it provides minimal coverage. Under this option, the mover's liability is limited to a maximum of 60 cents per pound per article. If your belongings are valuable and you seek coverage beyond this limited protection, it's recommended to discuss alternative options with your chosen moving company or explore third-party insurance providers.
  • Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Things to do in Connecticuttoggle

While you’re in Connecticut, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:

  • Mystic Seaport
  • Historic Ship Nautilus & Submarine Force Museum
  • Lake Compounce Amusement Park
  • Beardsley Zoo
  • Hammonasset Beach State Park
  • Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration
  • Dinosaur State Park and Arboretum
  • Gillette Castle State Park
  • The Mark Twain House & Museum
  • Yale University Art Gallery
  • Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art
  • Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center
  • New England Air Museum
  • Roseland Cottage
  • The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum
  • The Glass House
  • Essex Steam Train & Riverboat
  • Mohegan Sun
  • Hill-Stead Museum
  • Rocky Neck State Park
  • New Britain Museum of American Art
  • Stamford Museum & Nature Center
  • Shore Line Trolley Museum
  • Studio 80 + Sculpture Grounds
  • Ocean Beach Park
source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to move from Washington to Connecticut?toggle

Hiring a full-service Washington 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 Washington to Connecticut?toggle

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 Washington to Connecticut separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

What are the benefits of moving from Washington to Connecticut?toggle

The main reasons people are moving from Washington to Connecticut are the amazing upsides of living in Connecticut such as natural beauty and bountiful recreational opportunities.

Is it cheaper to live in Washington or Connecticut?toggle

It is generally cheaper to live in Connecticut than in Washington. Housing is much more affordable in Connecticut, with average rent about 28% less and home prices 31.1% lower than in Washington. Washington has no income tax.

How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Connecticut?toggle

You should make approximately $51,120 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Connecticut. The cost of living in Connecticut is approximately $2,911 per month for an individual and $6,352 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in Connecticut you live For example, larger cities like Waterbury and Bridgeport will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

Helpful moving resources

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