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A key part of the Pacific Northwest, Washington State is the birthplace of Starbucks, Amazon, and grunge music. The state is justifiably famous for its culture, but also for what’s found outside of the major cities, including some of the most spectacular landscapes anywhere in the U.S. As the nickname suggests, the Evergreen State is rich with vibrant greenery, thanks to its unique climate. It also contains some of the highest mountains in the lower 48, and a coastline that has to be seen to be believed.
It’s no wonder, then, that Washington has seen a lot of growth in recent years, with more than a million people making a cross-country move here in the past decade.
It might just be the perfect place for your next move, but before you take the plunge, you’ll need to do your research. And that’s where we come in. This guide will cover the pros and cons of living in Washington State, from the cost of living to all the fun things to do in Washington State.
Living in Washington State: Quick Facts
Fun Fact: Washington State is home to five active volcanoes: Mt. Rainier, Mt. St. Helens, Glacier Peak, Mt. Baker, and Mt. Adams.
6 Things to Know About Living in Washington State
While long-distance moving can be daunting, the pull of the Pacific Northwest can be irresistible, especially for nature lovers — those moving to Washington State can expect plentiful outdoor activities and a culture that values the natural environment.
But moving to Washington State involves more than putting a rain jacket on your moving checklist. Below, we’ll cover topics like cost of living and the best cities Washington has to offer, so you’re fully prepared to make your decision.
1. The cost of living in Washington State is higher than the national average
Washington State is one of the nine U.S. states that doesn’t have an income tax. However, at 6.5%, the state sales tax is higher than average. The sales tax also varies from city to city, and some cities, such as Seattle, have a 10.35% sales tax, putting it on par with that of Los Angeles County.
The average cost of living in Washington state is $60,528 per person annually to live comfortably, making it one of the most expensive U.S. states to live in. Even so, costs in Washington are slightly below those in California, which has a cost of living of $64,835. That means that even as a relatively expensive place, a move from the Golden State to the Evergreen State might make financial sense.
On the other hand, Washington State has a higher cost of living than states like Texas and Florida, which have a cost of living of $45,114 and $50,689, respectively. As an added bonus, Washington State doesn’t have the same summer humidity, which gives it an advantage for those who hate the heat!
What salary do I need to live comfortably in Washington State?
Washington State is one of the most expensive states in which to buy a home, with a median home price of $636,200. The average rent is $1,731, which is on par with the national average of $1,755. The presence of high-profile companies, such as Microsoft, Starbucks, Boeing, Google, Apple, and Amazon, gives residents of certain cities access to higher-paying jobs, which can offset the higher cost of living. The area also has a robust tech industry and consistently ranks as one of the 10 best cities for jobs in the U.S.
Even though the cost of living in Washington State is higher than the national average, for many considering an interstate move, moving to Washington State is worth it because of the access to pristine nature.
2. While the weather can be gloomy, summers in Washington are surprisingly pleasant
While the soggy weather of the Pacific Northwest comes to mind when most people think of Washington, the state is home to surprisingly diverse ecosystems. You can expect Washington’s famous consistent cloudy days in the western part of the state. The eastern part of the state tends to be drier, with flat plains and near-desert environments.
Technically, the Western part of Seattle doesn’t get that much rain in terms of inches, with the rain manifesting as more of a seemingly omnipresent mist. Summers in this region tend to be pleasant, with temperatures never exceeding 90 degrees. Plus, the presence of glaciers, rainforests, and volcanoes up for all the cloudy.
3. The best places to live in Washington State can be found all over
There’s more to Washington than just Seattle. The western part of the state has a robust tech industry and dense urban landscape, while farming thrives in the more rural eastern part of the state. The state can cater to many different lifestyles, so let’s take a look at some of the best places to live in Washington State.
Spokane
Don’t sleep on Spokane! Less expensive and less densely populated than Seattle, this Eastern Washington city still has a lot to offer.
A house in Spokane is more affordable than in other Washington cities and can run 48% less than in western Washington. According to the Spokane Realtors Association, the average house price in 2024 was $400,000, which is over $200,000 less than the state average.
So if you feel the call of the Pacific Northwest but are worried about the cost of living in Washington State, this city might be for you. Spokane is a great place to settle down for those who want to experience all four seasons and the glorious nature of Washington.
Bellevue
Separated from Seattle by Lake Washington, Bellevue is still only a 25-minute drive to the birthplace of Starbucks and grunge. While functionally a suburb of Seattle, Bellevue is actually the fourth-largest city in Washington State and has no shortage of beautiful mountain views or hiking trails.
This beauty comes with a cost, however: Bellevue is one of the more expensive cities in Washington, with a cost of living index of 196.5, largely due to housing costs. However, many prominent companies, like Microsoft, T-Mobile, Eddie Bauer, and Samsung, are headquartered or have offices in Bellevue. This makes the area a great place for young professionals, but it also makes the job market in Bellevue more competitive.
Bellingham
Located in Whatcom County, Bellingham is a hidden treasure. This coastal city is just 21 miles from the Canadian border and has a population of 98,340, which gives it a small-town vibe. The dramatic ocean views make it a charming place to live for nature lovers. While this town might be on the smaller side, Bellingham’s downtown district still has a thriving culture and food scene.
4. Washington State is famous for breathtaking rainforests, volcanoes, and glaciers
Washington is the second most glaciated state behind Alaska. As part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, Washington State also has five active volcanoes, including the infamous Mount St. Helens, which erupted in 1980.
Washington’s stunning rainforests, volcanoes, and glaciers can be accessed during a visit to the state’s national parks. There are three national parks here, Olympic National Park, Mount Rainier National Park, and North Cascades National Park. And Washington’s unique climate means the rainforests are vibrantly green in a way that can make you feel like you’re walking straight into a Dr. Seuss book!
5. Washington State produces more apples than any other state
George Washington may have been tied to a cherry tree legend, but the state that bears his name is all about apples. Each fall, Washington produces a whopping 10 to 12 billion apples! The state’s cool climate is perfect for growing apples, and it produces more of them than any other state.
Apples are so important to the region that the state university spent 30 years perfecting just one apple variety. If the old saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” is true, then Washington has got to be the healthiest state by far.
6. There are many fun things to do in Washington State, whether you like nature or not
The Evergreen State was named one of the most physically active in the country. While there’s no shortage of nature hikes, Washington has something to offer for everyone, even on the coldest and rainiest of days. Here are some ways to spend your free time in Washington State.
Fun Things to do in Washington State for adults
Fun things to do in Washington State with kids
Fun things to do in Washington State as a couple
Is Washington State a Good Place to Live? The Pros and Cons of Living in Washington State
Is it worth moving to Washington State? When considering moving out of state, it’s important to weigh the benefits of living in Washington State against your lifestyle. For instance, if you crave sunshine, then the constant misty rain might be one of the disadvantages of living in Washington State.
Below are some of the pros and cons of living in Washington State.
Benefits of living in Washington State:
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Washington has no shortage of breathtaking natural beauty.
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Washington has a great food and coffee scene, and it’s not limited to Seattle’s best neighborhoods!
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Washington doesn’t have a state income tax.
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The summers are pleasant, making up for the grayer months.
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The state is rich in agriculture and wineries.
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The job market in the Seattle area is strong.
Disadvantages of living in Washington State:
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The cost of living is high, especially in cities like Seattle and Belleview.
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The region has a reputation for being constantly cold, rainy, and gray.
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The presence of major corporations means the job market is competitive.
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The median home price is higher than in most of the country, making home ownership expensive.
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The volcanoes in Washington State are all active.
Lighten the Stress of Moving to Washington State
If you like living in a landscape with lush nature and don’t mind being near an active volcano, moving to Washington State might be for you.
Moving can be daunting, whether it’s across the street or moving cross-country. Working with an experienced interstate moving company helps make the process as easy and as smooth as possible. At Colonial Van Lines, our team of specially trained moving professionals has the expertise and care to load and transport your belongings safely and securely to your new home in Washington State. Get started with a free moving quote today!