Moving from Spokane to Seattle, WA
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Quick answer: Moving from Spokane to Seattle costs between $383 to $8,019 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 278-mile route within Washington take 1 to 4 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Spokane to Seattle
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Spokane to Seattle are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Spokane to driving and unloading in Seattle, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 278 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $2,229 - $6,240 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,373 - $2,505 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $411 - $742 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Spokane Pro Movers | $110/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Spokane to Seattle?
It costs between $383 to $8,019 to move from Spokane to Seattle. The prices below break down your 278-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $1,278 - $8,019
- Moving containers: $1,055 - $3,233
- Rental trucks: $383 - $885
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,278 - $5,170 | $1,055 - $1,895 | $383 - $673 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,229 - $6,240 | $1,373 - $2,505 | $411 - $742 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,052 - $8,019 | $1,640 - $3,233 | $475 - $885 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $309 - $2,575+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $110/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $90/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $206 - $824 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $52 - $206 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Spokane to Seattle
At 278 miles, your Spokane to Seattle move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Spokane to Seattle. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Washington, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 278 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Lake Coeur d'Alene Movers is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Spokane to Seattle. They've been in business since 2019 (7 years of experience) and 96.6% of their 232 verified reviews are positive.
More Washington moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Seattle to Spokane guide.
Considerations when moving from Spokane to Seattle
Cost of living: Spokane vs. Seattle
When comparing the cost of living between Spokane and Seattle, you need to look beyond housing prices. This section breaks down some key financial factors, including rent, home values, income, day-to-day expenses, and employment rates, to help you understand how life in Seattle stacks up against Spokane.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Spokane | Seattle | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,450 | $1,975 |
| Average home cost | $324,776 | $911,938 |
| Average income (per capita) | $65,745 | $121,984 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,556 | $3,740 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,270 | $9,801 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 4.8% |
| Average Sales Tax | 9.0% | 10.35% |
- Rent prices in Seattle are 36% higher than in Spokane. So, you’ll likely need to set aside more for housing, which could shrink your budget for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in Seattle are 181% higher than in Spokane, which could make buying a home more challenging. It might require a larger upfront investment and could increase your monthly mortgage payments.
- Salaries here average 86% higher than in Spokane. If your pay matches local rates, you could see a real boost to your financial well-being.
- Living expenses for one person in Seattle are 46% higher than in Spokane, so you'll probably need to tweak your budget to cover the extra expenses.
- Living costs here run about 56% higher than in Spokane. Essentials like housing, childcare, and healthcare all come with a steeper price tag, making Seattle one of the more expensive cities for families.
- Unemployment in Seattle is 27% lower than in Spokane. That means you’ll enjoy a stronger job market, more opportunities, and greater economic stability in your new city.
- Sales taxes run 15% higher in Seattle than in Spokane, so you should plan on higher costs for regular taxable purchases.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,380 in Seattle to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Spokane.
How life is different in Spokane vs. Seattle
Before you make a move, it’s important to see how life stacks up in Seattle vs. Spokane. Everything from weather and the population to cost of living, politics, and safety can shape your day-to-day experience. Check out this side-by-side comparison to decide which city suits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| Spokane | Seattle | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 593,466 | 737,015 |
| Political leaning | Republican 50-46 | Democratic 57-43 |
| Summer high | 84ºF | 76ºF |
| Winter low | 22ºF | 36ºF |
| Annual rain | 17" | 38" |
| Annual snow | 44" | 5" |
| Crime index | 3.0 | 58.88 |
Seattle sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Seattle is around 24% bigger than Spokane. A move to a larger city brings more people, fresh opportunities, and richer cultural experiences, but also comes with higher living costs and a busier lifestyle. Whether that sounds thrilling or daunting really depends on what you’re looking for in your next home.
- In the last presidential election, Seattle leaned Democratic, while Spokane went Republican.
- With summer highs at 76°F, Seattle is cooler than Spokane at 84°F. The change means easier summers and more chances to enjoy the outdoors.
- In the coldest months, Spokane gets chillier than Seattle, with lows dipping to 22°F while Seattle only drops to 36°F.
- Seattle typically gets more rain than Spokane, with an average annual rainfall of 38 inches compared to Spokane’s 17 inches.
- Expect more snow in Spokane, where it averages 44 annually compared to Seattle’s 5.
- Seattle has a higher crime rate than Spokane, with a crime index of 58.88 vs 3.0.
Things to do in Seattle
Craving adventure, unique culture, or live sports? Seattle has you covered.
Museums in Seattle
- Museum of Popular Culture (MoPOP)
- Olympic Sculpture Park
- National Nordic Museum
- Chihuly Garden and Glass
- Museum of Flight
Parks in Seattle
- Discovery Park
- Olympic Sculpture Park
- Green Lake Park
- Carkeek Park
- Washington Park Arboretum
Sports teams in Seattle
- Seattle Seahawks (NFL)
- Seattle Mariners (MLB)
- Seattle Kraken (NHL)
- Seattle Sounders FC (MLS)
- Seattle Seawolves (MLR)
Universities in Seattle
- University of Washington
- Seattle University
- Seattle Pacific University
- City University of Seattle
- Antioch University Seattle
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Spokane to Seattle?
If you’re hiring a professional moving company to get your stuff from Spokane to Seattle, expect to pay between $1,177 and $4,163 to move just a few items or a small bedroom. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually run between $2,229 and $6,240. Moving a home with four or more bedrooms? You’re looking at anywhere from $3,052 up to $8,019 for the trip.
How much are moving container companies from Spokane to Seattle?
If you’re moving from Spokane to Seattle and thinking about using moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually start around $707 and go up to $1,651. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs typically fall between $1,373 and $2,505. For larger moves—think four or five bedrooms—expect to spend somewhere between $1,640 and $3,233.
How much is a moving truck from Spokane to Seattle?
Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $365 to $673. A larger move will cost $411 to $742, and a four-bedroom or larger move from Spokane to Seattle costs from $475 to $885.
How far in advance should I book Spokane-to-Seattle movers?
For the smoothest experience, try to book your move from Spokane to Seattle at least two months before your moving date. Planning a summer move? Aim for at least three months in advance, since that’s the busiest season. Locking in your Spokane-to-Seattle movers early not only helps you snag your preferred date, but it can also score you the best prices. Some moving companies even sweeten the deal with early-bird discounts when you book ahead.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Seattle?
To save money on your move to Seattle, plan it between early October and late April. Moving outside the busy May-to-September season means less competition and better rates, helping you avoid peak prices and busy schedules.
