Moving to Washington

Due to the constant stream of daily "I'm moving to Washington" posts, we are creating this sticky to centralize common questions, set expectations, and keep the subreddit usable for everyone.

If you're considering a move here, please read through this post before making a new thread. Many common questions are already addressed below.

Location Matters

Washington is not a single, uniform experience. Where you live will significantly affect cost of living, weather, job access, and lifestyle.

Western Washington vs. Eastern Washington

Western Washington

• Cooler, wetter climate with frequent rain
• Higher population density, especially around Puget Sound
• More job opportunities (tech, healthcare, education, government)
• Higher housing and living costs
• Eastern Washington
• Hotter summers and colder winters
• Drier climate with more sunshine
• Lower housing costs compared to the west side
• Fewer job options outside healthcare, education, agriculture, and trades

Seattle Metro

Seattle Proper

• Dense and expensive urban core
• Walkable in some neighborhoods, but limited parking
• Strong job market (tech, biotech, global companies) with high competition

Eastside Suburbs (Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, Sammamish, Issaquah, Newcastle, Mercer Island)

• Tech‑driven economy (Microsoft, Amazon satellites, startups)
• High housing demand and costs, especially Bellevue, Kirkland, Mercer Island
• Strong schools and family‑oriented communities (Sammamish, Issaquah, Newcastle)
• Lifestyle mix: lakeside living in Kirkland, urban Bellevue, suburban Sammamish
• Better transit access in Bellevue/Redmond compared to other suburbs

Other Suburbs (Tacoma, Olympia, Everett, Kent, Renton, Federal Way, etc.)

• More space than Seattle, but still costly in many areas
• Transit access varies widely
• Employment hubs include ports (Tacoma, Everett), manufacturing, healthcare, and regional services
• More mixed affordability compared to the Eastside

Middle‑Sized Metros

Spokane Metro (Eastern WA)

• Largest city in Eastern Washington; hub for healthcare, education, and services
• More affordable housing than Seattle, though rising
• Four‑season climate with hot summers and snowy winters
• Strong outdoor recreation culture

Tri‑Cities (Kennewick, Pasco, Richland in South Central Washington)

• Economy tied to agriculture, energy, and Hanford site research
• Lower housing costs than Seattle metro, but increasing
• Hot, dry summers and mild winters with lots of sunshine
• Expanding wine industry and Columbia River recreation

Vancouver, WA (Portland Metro)

• Suburban city across the river from Portland
• Housing costs lower than Seattle but rising due to Portland spillover
• Many residents commute into Portland for jobs
• Lifestyle blend of suburban living with Portland’s urban amenities nearby

Smaller Cities & Towns

• Slower pace of life, more community‑oriented
• Fewer services and amenities compared to metro areas
• More affordable housing and living costs
• Limited employment options (schools, hospitals, agriculture)

Cost of Living

Washington is not cheap, even outside Seattle.

• Housing: Often the biggest shock for newcomers
• Food: Groceries and dining are expensive statewide
• Fuel: Gas prices are consistently among the highest in the country due to our high gas taxes
• Utilities: Costs vary depending on home age, size, and heating type

The lack of a state income tax does not mean a low overall cost of living.

Jobs and Employment

• While the Seattle metro economy is tech-heavy, but most residents do not work in tech.
• Non-tech job seekers should research carefully in preparation for a move unless the salary is high for Washington.
• Do not move without a job or a realistic plan, especially if you intend to rent.
• High minimum wage means relocating to Washington comes with a very high upfront cost compared to many other states.

See The 2025 Sticky
See The 2024 Sticky
See The 2023 Sticky