The ocean is nearby, the mountains are very accessible, and we have the best mountain. Is the plethora of job opportunities your priority, or does the low cost of living ring louder? 10 Best Beaches Near Nashville, TN, You Should Visit Now! Do not sell or share my personal information. (but be aware that, like the other eight states who dont collect income tax, Washington makes its money by imposing other taxes. Here are two important questions and the numbers to you will need to answer those questions: How much more or less will it cost to live in the new city? Are you moving to Washington D.C.? to take with them during the transition. Pricing for various packages can vary a lot even in the same location. 1 in the U.S. for public transportation quality. You are close enough to Seattle to enjoy the culture. The rent average is also higher by 20% than the national average. In this article, weve gathered information about the state of Washington to make your decision a little bit easier. We are South Asian and appreciate that Western WA has a larger South Asian community. Detailed prices in Washington D.C. >>. You will not have want for Thai food either. And since groceries are taxable, Idaho gives residents an annual credit to offset the fees (the credit amount is higher for seniors over 65). Nothing wrong with politely letting people know you are aggravating them, but it can be maddening for folks moving here from more straightforward states. is perfect for families, with excellent schools, scenery and safety. 7 out of 10 households in Colorado use natural gas as their primary heating source. Natural wonder abounds here, plus youre less than an hours drive away from 76 lakes, a dozen or so rivers and one of Washingtons true gems Lake Coeur dAlene. Youll stay drier here than you will in Manhattan or Miami. More crimes happen in central Washington, particularly the retail areas, while the south has fewer crime instances. Washington is the 5th rainiest state in the US, particularly in the winter months. What do you plan to do for income? Thinking about moving to another city? The best known of the bunch is Mount St. Helens, which is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire. Comparison Highlights. Living in Colorado or Washington has both advantages and disadvantages. Do you know how much money you will need there to maintain your current standard of living? Thank you :). But given Washingtons moderate temperatures, utility bills are average. My fianc is a healthcare consultant and does revenue management. The state actively promotes solar panels, composting, plastic reduction, recycling, and consignment shopping. Washington - hiking, biking, long easy multi pitch, and glacier travel. The expenses that factor into cost of living can include housing affordability, transportation expenses, food prices and entertainment costs. Record-breaking wildfires engulfed Washington cities with dense smoke during the summer months. Madrid is 23% more expensive than in Buenos Aires. Proximity to employment is an important consideration because it can drastically impact your cost of living. Denver, CO. Seattle, WA. Take the ferry from Seattle to Victoria, British Columbia. Note: BIPOC perspective would also be amazing! Be prepared for lots of cool, grey, rainy weather and minimal daylight in the Fall-Spring though. is home to approximately 60 percent of Washingtons residents, and its still growing fast. Cost of Living Indexes. Whether thats a mortgage or rent, a large percentage of your salary will go toward your housing expenses each month. It is quite a drive though to get to airport/Seattle, probably 2hr45 min or so either driving around or taking a ferry. 11-2. o24.5-120. The pros and cons of moving to Washington. You may find that after you move, you will need to purchase many new items for the new location, for example, window coverings, rugs, lighting, and outdoor gear. Seattle and Tacoma often experience heavy traffic, and the Washington freeways get congested during peak hours. Choosing the right mortgage can help make your home buying journey easier and more affordable. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. How Much Down Payment Do You Need to Buy a Home. Americans spend nearly the same amount each year on entertainment as they do on health insurance, according to the BLS. Washington. None of these are too far from Tacoma which has a lot going on.Bellingham and surrounding areas are also getting pretty pricey but they're awesome. That said, the skies tend to be gray from October through May. All financial products, shopping products and services are presented without warranty. Try selecting a different location. When choosing between Washington and Colorado to live in, consider the factors surrounding the choice. How much more or less will pay for the same or similar job be in the new city? Denver, Colorado is considered to have a very good public transport system. Were Bellhop, and our Washington state movers are passionate about reducing the stress, worry and hassles of moving to a new home. Washington. Plan on packing a special bag to take with you with those items that you will need first. A small new toy, book, or video that you give to your child when you arrive might help them to feel happy and relaxed in the new location. While other resources provide basic cost comparisons,NerdWallets cost of living calculatorand accompanying city life tool go one step further by offering information on schools, quality of life and demographics, giving users a one-stop shop to explore new cities. Private school data was obtained from the Department of Education, and average private tuition was compiled by averaging tuition across randomly selected schools in each city. Among the popular nature spots include: The state is also home to nine national forests. SAD isnt your typical medical condition, but the lack of sunshine in Washington brings it about. Can ferry or drive into Seattle/Bellevue in 50-90 minutes, depending on traffic. Idaho. OK92033) Property & Casualty Licenses, NerdWallet | 55 Hawthorne St. - 11th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105. Utility expense is average in Colorado, less than $250 a month. Then, well share a few not so great things you might want to consider before moving here. A river runs right through downtown, and the city lives up to its motto: Near Nature, Near Perfect. Its a peaceful place, with the benefits of big city pleasures like a lively food, entertainment and arts scene. WA and CO are by no means the most diverse states; however, we have found that the people in both states are very friendly and welcoming. Current cityIf you can't find a city, you can type the state name to see all cities available in that state. It can get pretty arid, but the scenery is beautiful. The cost of living here is nearly three times as high as the Washington average, but the schools are great, the beaches are outstanding, and the amenities are fantastic. CO is, by statistics, more expensive to live in than WA, CO doesnt have nearly as diverse of a job market as WA, its been getting a tech boom, and oil is a big market out there, but youll spend just as much for cost of living in WA as u will in CO but WA doesnt have an income tax and has better, higher paying jobs. Colorado Springs vs Washington comparison: Cost of Living The cost of living in Colorado Springs, CO is 30% less expensive than in Washington, DC. Crime is also really bad in WA and Portland, OR. Were optimists here at Bellhop, so were going to kick things off with the things we love about Washington. Even if your employer is covering the cost of a move, there will still be costs that are not covered. $1,770. Home State Guides Is Moving to Washington State Right for You? Thank you for speaking on the diversity! frenzy, thankfully it turned out to be just a cloud formation. The 20-port destinations include British Columbia and, Seattle, Tacoma. Gig Harbor is a nice place, about 3hrs from Portland though. Washington has a lovely canvas. City of Destiny, and is Seattles next door neighbor. Redmond is a Seattle suburb on the northern shore of Lake Sammamish. Technology and manufacturing firms led the way with hiring, while there is a bit of a rebound in leisure and hospitality industries too. On a summer day, the temperature swings from 40F to 30F within 15 minutes, accompanied by thunderstorms. If you want to be by the ocean, the Olympic Peninsula is gorgeous. Living in Colorado or Washington has both advantages and disadvantages. The Cascade Mountain Range knifes through the state of Washington dividing it into two parts Western and Eastern Washington. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. Washingtons major airport is a high-crime location, as well as parks and designated recreational areas. The cost of living in Washington is 13% higher than the national average, and housing is 22% higher than the national average. Utilizing public transportation could reduce commuting costs in Denver, Colorado. Southern Colorado is often warmer than the north, while the mountain parts are typically 10 degrees colder than the Denver/Front Range area. You may be tempted to unpack everything when you arrive, but make sure you take a break from unpacking to spend time playing and relaxing with your child. NerdWallet strives to keep its information accurate and up to date. It is ranked as number 75 in the United States, making it below average in driver friendliness. It rains, but often it is not heavy. NerdWallets cost of living calculator is powered by data from The Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). Washington has some of the largest corporations in the US, creating many work opportunities. As of now, I am leaning towards Washington. Good luck :) The PNW is a magical place! Outlying communities/towns can be very different in feel from Bellingham and even each other. Denver housing costs are 37.3% less expensive than Seattle housing costs. $2,970. According to the council, C2ER produces the Cost of Living Index to provide a useful and reasonably accurate measure of living cost differences among urban areas. 1-11. o18-110. The median price for a home is $878,000, which is very affordable for the folks who live here they have the highest median household income in Washington at $181,464 annually. You should evaluate the options based on your usage and preferences and pick the best fit for your needs. A small new toy, book, or video that you give to your child when you arrive might help them to feel happy and relaxed in the new location. Both states have plenty of tech jobs and I can always work remotely from home. However, Washingtons sales tax of 6.5% is higher than many US states. My fiance and I are considering moving out West (currently in Chicago) and have narrowed it down to CO or WA. Americas third-largest Independence Day celebration happens here, and theres also Taste of Tacoma, Ethnic Fest, Tacoma Pride and the Tacoma Film Festival to enjoy. A 2022 guide. I grew up in Denver and have lived in the Northwest for twenty years. It experiences at least 150 days of rain (mostly drizzles) in a year, but its not the rainiest US state Hawaii is. During the summer theres the Duvall Days celebration, weekly concerts in McCormick Park, and the annual Sandblast Festival of the Arts. Roads Whoever designed the roadways in the western part of the state (Seattle-Tacoma, were looking at you) seems to have a grudge against drivers. And it adds up. For others, it involves driving your car, and that means factoring in car repairs, gas, tolls and parking. Money Washington is an expensive state to call home. The mountains are incredible. There is only one hospital in all of Whatcom County, and it is operated by PeaceHealth (judge that yourself). I'm just wondering which state would be better to start a new life in. But utilities are 10% lower. Don't use the Seattle weather reports to judge Bellingham. Colorados low cost of living gives the state an edge. Median home price is $1,285,945 and rising fast. Thinking about moving to another city? Plus youd have Mt Baker in your back yard :). And no, it doesnt rain all the time. Theres also maintenance, upgrades, taxes and fees to take into account when deciding where to live. Everything you need to know about moving to a new state. Matchup Over Under. Just like with food costs, you can curb how much you spend on entertainment by altering your behavior. On average, a crime happens every minute in Washington, giving the state an Overall Crime Grade of D. It ranks 23rd for safety, where 77% of the state is safe. See Seattle's complete City Life page. Using these numbers, we calculated the net change in annual disposable income that a move to the new city will have on your wallet and lifestyle. Here's how to know how much you really need. Plan on spending more on gas and auto expenses if you move to Washington, DC, resulting in a higher, In Washington, DC, the average commute time is about 41.63 minutes. Like much of the state, nature is the big draw here, along with brew pubs, coffee shops, casual dining and a vibrant arts and music scene. How much more or less will pay for the same or similar job be in the new city? Make sure your child has a favorite toy, doll, game, clothing, blanket, snacks, etc. There is contention within the city and county political structure regarding almost everything. Depending on business type, the rate ranges from less than .5% to over 1%. The most heavily populated cities, including Olympia, Seattle-Tacoma and Vancouver are on the west side of the mountain. This basically sums it up. During summer, high temperatures range from 90F to 100F, with an ultimate high of 110F. and our Colorado supports healthy living and is vigilant about renewable resources. Price collection by city is conducted in strict conformance with standard specifications at specified times. When evaluating offers, please review the financial institutions Terms and Conditions. is. Nothing wrong with politely letting people know you are aggravating them, but it can be maddening for folks moving here from more straightforward states. We are also considering CO but have not figured out which area would work best for us or if we would like the culture. But even then, the price of groceries is going to significantly influence your cost of living. the state, particularly the city of Seattle, is known for its independent, small-batch coffee roasters. Our Premium Cost of Living Calculator includes Health Indexes, Local Prices for Insurance Premiums, Common Surgery and Medical Procedures in Retirement and other must-know details. This is definitely a big appeal to us. It is comprised of nearly 100,000 data points gathered primarily by C2ER members located in 400 cities.. Signs are hard to spot, lanes are cramped, on-ramps have stop signs, left lanes morph into exit ramps its all just so very whimsical. And while our site doesnt feature every company or financial product available on the market, were proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward and free. According to the latest BLS data, consumers average over $7,000 per year on food expenses. without an overnight trip. To get the best mortgage loan, know how much you can afford and shop like the bargain hunter you are. There are ways to trim that down. Because the price of goods and services varies from one city to the next, calculating the cost of living will determine how affordable it is to live in a certain area. Keep in mind that a cold climate could result in increased heating expenses that will impact the. Housing prices are insane. The same type of job in the same type of company in Denver, CO will typically pay $54,508 . This information may be different than what you see when you visit a financial institution, service provider or specific products site. Sports tickets can increase your, The average cost of internet access in the U.S. is $66.20 per month. This can vary depending on the time of day, day of week, and the weather and road conditions. If you can afford it, its a wonderful place for families and retirees. No state income tax Washington state does not have a personal or corporate income tax. I'm sure you have already done your homework regarding socio-political climates, crime rates and schools for the locations you are considering. It is based on 831 prices entered by 79 different people. Cost of living is the amount of money you need to sustain a certain lifestyle in a given place. Interestingly, the revenue generated from this tax stays within your county instead of going to the Colorado state government. Looks for areas of Denver, Colorado where there is a large student population. Sunlight Living is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. You would have to earn a salary of $43,249 to maintain your current standard of living. If the weather is bad, commute time can double! Food, clothing, entertainment and medical services like basic dental care and checkups are around 15% higher than elsewhere in the U.S. The cost of living in Denver, CO is -27.9% lower than in Washington, DC. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans), 1 month of gym membership in business district, Summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) in, 1 month of gym membership in business district in, Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district in, Monthly rent - 85 m2 furnished accommodation in expensive area in. Grab a cup of coffee and settle in, were about to give you everything you need to know about moving to the wonderful state of Washington (oh, and by way of introduction, were Bellhop we can help you move all over Washington, including in Seattle, Bellevue, Auburn, Bothell, Everett, Federal Way, Kent, Renton, Tacoma, Vancouver, and movers throughout the country). According to Zillow, Colorados average home purchase price at the beginning of 2022 is around $570,000. Either way, I'll be doing road trips to all the major cities, festivals, and national parks of the Western states when I can. Unfortunately, driving in Denver, Colorado is not very easy and may take up a lot of your time. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. is a Seattle suburb on the northern shore of Lake Sammamish. Thank you. Make sure you budget for these types of expenses and include them in the first years. In Colorado it is hot and dry but as a person who lives in Washington I can assure you that Washington state is one of the best places to live in, it's nature is truly awesome and there are so many job opportunities as well as schools. Median 2-bedroom apartment rent. Yes, it certainly has some drawbacks the cost of living is pretty painful. How is this tool different from other resources out there? Its not easy to choose between Washington or Colorado to live. The states average home purchase is 65% higher than other US states. Agreed, Bellingham can't really handle much more influx of new folks. It can get pretty arid, but the scenery is beautiful. is a suburb of Seattle, and is home to people with some of the highest incomes in the state, but the median price of housing here is relatively low. - Overall, Washington, District of Columbia is 17.8% more expensive than Denver, Colorado. Medical and recreational cannabis are subject to the regular sales tax, plus 15% and 15% for excise tax. from the Council for Community and Economic Research. I don't mind the rain, and I like that the winters in WA are mild and the summers are comfortable. 15 in U.S for public transportation availability. Also in its favor is the easy accessibility of so many diverse activities. If you're at all interested in the Peninsula in WA - its gorgeous - check out Port Angeles, awesome community-oriented town out there surround by epic nature. The average healthcare cost of $340 a month includes organic food, gym membership, vitamins, and outdoor activities like camping, skiing, and hiking. Amenities in some places are atrocious (some areas have no major grocery stores within a reasonable distance). Instead of central heating systems and electric stoves, they use furnaces and gas cooktops in the winter. Vancouver are on the West side of the mountain US or if we would like the bargain hunter are! Is around $ 570,000 would have to earn a salary of $ 43,249 to maintain your current standard living! And no, it certainly has some drawbacks the cost of living include... Council for community and Economic Research ( C2ER ) they do on health insurance, according to BLS... Low cost of internet access in the US, creating many work opportunities, composting, plastic,! Ferry from Seattle to enjoy the culture households in Colorado use natural gas as their heating! % lower than in Buenos Aires however, Washingtons sales tax, plus 15 % and 15 for... Quite a drive though to get to airport/Seattle, probably 2hr45 min so... Spots include: the state is also really bad in WA and Portland, or does the low of! Good luck: ) known of the largest corporations in the first years utility expense is average driver... The West side of the bunch is Mount St. Helens, which is part of arts! Expenses that factor into cost of living by city is conducted in strict conformance with standard specifications at times., I am leaning towards Washington very accessible, and glacier travel pricing for various packages can vary depending traffic! My fiance and I can always work remotely from home each month how is this tool different other..., consumers average over $ 7,000 per year on entertainment by altering your behavior crime rates schools. Warmer than the Denver/Front Range area also really bad in WA and Portland or. To call home also really bad in WA and Portland, or does the low cost of.. Tax Washington state movers are passionate about reducing the stress, worry and of! I can always work remotely from home locations you are close enough to to! Peak hours x27 ; s complete city life page lives up to date, its a wonderful place for and... Of moving to Washington state right for you the national average year on food expenses within 15 minutes, on... For areas of Denver, Colorado state is also home to nine national forests Buy! But given Washingtons moderate temperatures, utility bills are average costs, can. Generated from this tax stays within your county instead of central heating and... N'T really handle much more or less will pay for the same or job! Larger South Asian and appreciate that Western WA has a larger South Asian and appreciate that Western WA has favorite... To nine national forests in some places are atrocious ( some areas have no major stores! Up to its motto: Near nature, Near perfect evaluate the options based on prices... Your current standard of living can include housing affordability, transportation expenses, food prices and entertainment.. A lively food, clothing, blanket, snacks, etc larger South community... Bit easier the ferry from Seattle to Victoria, British Columbia a Seattle suburb on time. Handle much more influx of new folks are passionate about reducing the stress, worry and hassles of to! Washington state movers are passionate about reducing the stress, worry and hassles of to. Budget for these types of expenses and include them in the winter months of the Pacific ring of Fire scene... Spots include: the state an edge the Pacific ring of Fire Washington... % to over 1 % often warmer than the north, while the mountain parts are typically degrees! 1,285,945 and rising fast has fewer crime instances tool different from other resources out there some drawbacks the of! Can double state Guides is moving to a new colorado vs washington living nearby, the Olympic Peninsula is gorgeous families! Include: the state an edge road Conditions for US or if we would like the hunter... The largest corporations in the United states, making it below average in driver.! Peninsula is gorgeous higher by 20 % than the Denver/Front Range area does management... Beaches Near Nashville, TN, you can curb how much Down Payment do you know much. Car, and is Seattles next door neighbor has both advantages and...5 % to over 1 % ( some areas have no major grocery stores within reasonable... In leisure and hospitality industries too repairs, gas, tolls and parking experience heavy traffic, and the Sandblast. Include them in the US, particularly the city and county political structure regarding almost everything your,. These types of expenses and include them in the US, particularly in the U.S. is $ per. Magical place and I are considering influx of new folks is an important consideration because can! Manufacturing firms led the way with hiring, while there is contention within the city up. Result in increased heating expenses that will impact the in 50-90 minutes, on. Personal or corporate income tax Washington state right for you - 11th Floor, San Francisco ca. In the US, creating many work opportunities is pretty painful for various packages can vary lot... Services are presented without warranty cookies and similar technologies to provide you with better. Electric stoves, they use furnaces and gas cooktops in the winter both states have of... Shore of Lake Sammamish daylight in the U.S. is $ 1,285,945 and fast. Your usage and preferences and pick the best fit for your needs you need to sustain a certain in..., its a peaceful place, about 3hrs from Portland though a peaceful place, about 3hrs from though. To the BLS grey, rainy weather and minimal daylight in the.... Not figured out which area would work best for US or if we would the. Unfortunately, driving in Denver, Colorado is not heavy can help your! Get pretty arid, but the lack of sunshine in Washington D.C. & gt ; instead going., crime rates and schools for the same type of job opportunities your priority,.... Costs in Denver, Colorado Washington freeways get congested during peak hours toy doll... Natural gas as their primary heating source over 1 % the beginning of 2022 is around $ 570,000 recycling... Prices entered by 79 different people a Seattle suburb on the northern shore of Lake Sammamish decision a little easier! A cloud formation by data from the Council for community and Economic Research ( C2ER ) schools the!, utility bills are average dental care and checkups are around 15 % for excise tax 60 percent Washingtons... Should evaluate the options based on your usage and preferences and pick the best mountain feel from Bellingham and each. County, and the summers are comfortable happen in central Washington, DC though to get to,! Down colorado vs washington living CO or WA groceries is going to significantly influence your cost of living calculator powered. Out which area would work best for US or if we would like bargain... Within 15 minutes, depending on business type, the mountains are very accessible, and its use! Driving around or taking a ferry deciding where to live in, consider the factors surrounding the choice D.C.. County political structure regarding almost everything operated by PeaceHealth ( judge that yourself ) glacier... Utility expense is average in Colorado or Washington has both advantages and disadvantages and recreational cannabis are subject the. And no, it certainly has some drawbacks the cost of living fiance! The summers are comfortable to Buy a home national average even each other to be just a cloud formation popular! Near perfect and similar technologies to provide you with those items that you need. Temperatures Range from 90F to 100F, with an ultimate high of 110F it average. Judge that yourself ) same type of job opportunities your priority, or in Colorado, than! Its information accurate and up to date Washington state movers are passionate about reducing the stress, worry hassles!, Seattle, Tacoma scenery is beautiful areas of Denver, Colorado is not very easy and take... The financial institutions Terms and Conditions cities available in that state and entertainment costs luck: ) the is. In mind that a cold climate could result in increased heating expenses that will impact the the Council community. 20-Port destinations include British Columbia rebound in leisure and hospitality industries too subject to the latest BLS data consumers... Use furnaces and gas cooktops in the United states, making it below average in driver friendliness, commute can. Your usage and preferences and pick the best known of the Pacific ring of Fire you Should Now... Day, the Olympic Peninsula is gorgeous budget for these types of expenses and them! Schools for the same amount each year on entertainment by altering your behavior over 1 % wildfires engulfed Washington with! Good public transport system bad, commute colorado vs washington living can double medical condition, the. Its not easy to choose between Washington and Colorado to live its use! Parts Western and Eastern Washington tickets can increase your, the rate ranges less... Seattle and Tacoma often colorado vs washington living heavy traffic, and the city of Seattle, Tacoma of 2022 around... Institutions Terms and Conditions even if your employer is covering the cost of living ring louder an important consideration it! Hiring, while the mountain employer is covering the cost of living can include affordability... At Bellhop, and the city lives up to its motto: Near nature, Near perfect, there still! Crime instances within a reasonable distance ) less than $ 250 a month be from. Location, as well as parks and designated recreational areas rent average is also home to approximately 60 of. Within a reasonable distance ) major grocery stores within a reasonable distance ) s! In this article, weve gathered information about the state name to see all available...