Factors affecting the cost of moving from WI to WAtoggle

There are many factors that influence Wisconsin moving costs. The cost to move from Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin 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 WI to WA

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

Cost of living: Wisconsin vs. Washington

Wisconsin Washington
Average rent cost $1,100 $1,900
Average home cost $306,566 $588,856
Average income (per capita) $72,458 $90,325
Cost of Living Index 99 115
Unemployment rate 2.9% 4.8%
Average Sales Tax 5.43% 6.5%
State Income Tax 7.65% 0.0%
  • Rent is about 73% more expensive in Washington than in Wisconsin.
  • Home prices are about 92% higher in Washington than in Wisconsin.
  • The average income is about 25% higher in Washington than in Wisconsin.
  • Cost of living is 16% lower in Washington than in Wisconsin.
  • Washington has a higher unemployment rate than Wisconsin by about 66%.
  • Sales taxes are 20% higher in Washington than in Wisconsin.
  • Washington has no income tax.

How life is different in Washington vs. Wisconsin

Washington Wisconsin
Population 7,812,880 5,910,955
Political leaning Democratic Republican 51-49
Summer high 79ºF 81ºF
Winter low 31ºF 7ºF
Annual rain 38" 34"
Annual snow 18" 48"
Crime index 37.32 16.82
  • The population of Washington is approximately 32% greater than the population of Wisconsin.
  • In the last presidential election, Washington voted Democratic and Wisconsin voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Washington is 79ºF and in Wisconsin, it’s 81ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Washington reaches the temperature of 31ºF and Wisconsin gets down to 7ºF.
  • You can expect about 38 inches of annual rainfall in Washington versus 34 inches of rainfall in Wisconsin.
  • In Washington, it snows about 18 inches annually versus 48 inches of snow in Wisconsin.
  • Washington has a higher crime rate than Wisconsin with a crime index of 37.32 vs. 16.82.

Comparing the pros of Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin.

Pros of living in Wisconsin Pros of living in Washington
Low cost of living Beautiful landscapes
High quality of life Ample economic opportunity
Abundant outdoor recreational activities High quality of life
Unique tasty food Bountiful recreational opportunities
Borders great lakes Delicious seafood

Comparing the cons of living in Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin for Washington.

Cons of living in Wisconsin Cons of living in Washington
High tax burden Constant rain
Extreme seasonal weather Bad traffic
Lack of diversity High cost of living
Poor roads High crime rate
High rate of alcoholism Natural disasters

Other things to consider for your Wisconsin to Washington movetoggle

  • 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.
  • Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Things to do in Washingtontoggle

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 Wisconsin to Washington?toggle

Hiring a full-service Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin to Washington?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 Wisconsin to Washington separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

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

The main reasons people are moving from Wisconsin to Washington are the amazing upsides of living in Washington such as beautiful landscapes and ample economic opportunity.

Is it cheaper to live in Wisconsin or Washington?toggle

It is generally cheaper to live in Wisconsin than in Washington. Housing is much more affordable in Wisconsin, with average rent about 42% less and home prices 48% lower than in Washington. Washington has no income tax.

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

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