Key factors that impact the cost of your Seattle to New Haven movetoggle

The cost of Seattle movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Seattle to New Haven (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,861, while larger moves may reach $16,142 for a four-bedroom home.
  • Seasonal demand: Moving in the summer? Expect to pay more โ€” itโ€™s the busiest time of year for movers in Seattle.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $2,021 to $4,876, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Seattle to New Haven

Moving from Seattle to New Haven means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Seattle than in New Haven, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Seattle compares to New Haven so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Seattle New Haven
Average rent cost $1,975 $2,375
Average home value $842,068 $301,257
Average income (per capita) $77,845 $72,325
Cost of living (single person) $3,740 $2,314
Cost of living (family of 4) $9,801 $5,876
Unemployment rate 4.8% 9.7%
Sales tax 10.35% 6.35%
State income tax 0.0% 3.0%
  • Rent prices in New Haven are 20% higher than in Seattle, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in New Haven.
    Home prices in New Haven are 64.2% lower than in Seattle.
  • Income in New Haven is 7.1% lower than in Seattle, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in New Haven include ASSA ABLOY Group, ASSA ABLOY Door Security Solutions - US, and Yale New Haven Health.
  • The cost of living for a single person in New Haven is 38.1% lower than in Seattle. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in New Haven is 40.0% lower than in Seattle.
  • The unemployment rate in New Haven is 102.08% higher than in Seattle.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in New Haven, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in New Haven are 38.65% lower than in Seattle.
  • State income taxes in New Haven are 3.00% higher than in Seattle.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,856.15 in New Haven to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Seattle.

How life is different in Seattle vs. New Haven

New Haven Seattle
Population 135,081 737,015
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 7 8
Walkability score 68 74
Bike friendliness score 66 71
Crime Index 58.2 58.88
Safety Index 41.8 49.23
Air Quality Good Good
  • New Haven might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 82% less than Seattle.
  • Getting around New Haven without a car might be more difficult than in Seattle. New Haven has a public transportation score of 7 out of 10, whereas Seattle is ranked 8. Ratings are based on a cityโ€™s transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
  • New Haven neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Seattle. Based on its score of 68 out of 100, New Haven isnโ€™t as walkable as Seattle, which has a score of 74 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
  • You probably wonโ€™t see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in New Haven, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Seattle. While Seattle has a bike-friendliness score of 71 out of 100, New Haven earned a 66. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
  • You can anticipate the same crime rate in New Haven as Seattle. With the crime index, lower scores are better because they indicate less crime. Cities with scores of 20 or below, for example, have much fewer instances of crime than those with scores of 80โ€“100.
  • You may want to exercise more caution as youโ€™re getting used to your new surroundings in New Haven. With a crime index of 41.8, New Haven ranks lower in overall safety than Seattle, whose index is Seattle's 49.23. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
  • The air quality in New Haven and Seattle is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.

Other things to consider for your Seattle vs. New Haven move

  • Weather: Best months to move to New Haven are June, September and August as these are the best months with tolerable weather. January and February are the least comfortable months as these are the coldest months.
  • HOA rules: Itโ€™s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโ€™s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
  • Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
  • 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโ€™s license in Connecticut, visit the state's public utilities commission
  • Moving permits: While Connecticut doesnโ€™t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to New Haven without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in New Haven

With your sights set on "Elm City", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in New Haven.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Downtown
  • Dwight
  • Prospect Hill
  • East Rock
  • Wooster Square/Mill River

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Downtown
  • Westville
  • Prospect Hill
  • East Rock
  • Wooster Square/Mill River

Things to do in New Haven

Now that you've made the move to Connecticut, itโ€™s the perfect time to explore New Haven. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโ€™s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Youโ€™ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout New Haven, such as the Yale University Art Gallery, Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History, Yale Center for British Art, Blessed Michael McGivney Pilgrimage Center, and New Haven Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Edgerton Park, East Rock Park, New Haven Green, and Wooster Square Park โ€” along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
  • Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Yale Bulldogs (Ivy League) and Southern Connecticut Owls (NE-10) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Seattle to New Haven?

The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Seattle to New Haven are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Seattle are lower.

When is the cheapest time to move from Seattle to New Haven?

With many people choosing to move from Seattle to New Haven in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.

How long does a move from Seattle to New Haven take?

Moving from Seattle, WA to New Haven, CT covers 2,930 miles and usually takes seven to 21 days. Need to move faster? Some Seattle movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in New Haven.

Helpful moving resources