Moving to Washington: costs, checklist and what to know
Washington at a glance for movers: West region · largest city Seattle · capital Olympia · Pacific time.
Quick facts for moving to Washington
- Income tax: Washington does not have a broad state income tax on wages.
- Sales tax: Washington's statewide sales tax rate is 6.5%. Local taxes can add more, depending on the address.
- Driver's license: New residents should get a Washington driver's license within 30 days, according to the Washington Department of Licensing (DOL).
- Moving cost example: a 2-bedroom move from Los Angeles to Seattle (about 1,150 road miles) runs roughly $1,730–$3,290 with a rental truck or $3,240–$7,440 with full-service movers, by our estimate.
What to know before moving to Washington
- As of 2026, Washington has no income tax on wages. It taxes long-term capital gains (7% on the first $1 million of taxable gains, 9.9% above that), and a new 9.9% tax on adjusted gross income above $1 million is scheduled to start on January 1, 2028.
- The Department of Licensing handles licenses and vehicle registration.
- In winter, Snoqualmie and Stevens passes over the Cascades may require traction tires or chains.
Main cities and metros include Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, Vancouver, Bellevue. Washington borders Oregon and Idaho.
How much does it cost to move to Washington?
Estimated costs to move a typical 2-bedroom home (4,000–6,000 lbs) to Seattle, the largest city in Washington. Distances are approximate road miles (straight-line distance × 1.2). Packing service, car shipping and storage are not included.
| Moving from | ≈ Miles | Rent a truck | Full-service movers |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York City | 2,880 | $4,110–$7,760 | $6,010–$13,670 |
| Los Angeles | 1,150 | $1,730–$3,290 | $3,240–$7,440 |
| Chicago | 2,080 | $2,990–$5,650 | $4,730–$10,790 |
| Dallas | 2,020 | $2,920–$5,530 | $4,630–$10,570 |
| Atlanta | 2,610 | $3,680–$6,950 | $5,580–$12,700 |
These ranges come from Foyeric's moving cost model, not from quotes or a survey of Washington moves. Your real price depends on the mover, the season, your exact addresses and how much you ship. Tap a city to open it in the moving cost calculator and adjust it for your home.
Best time to move to Washington
June through September is driest. Cascade passes can be snowy from November through March.
Across the U.S., summer is the busiest and priciest moving season. Mid-month and mid-week dates are usually easier to book.
Washington new-resident checklist
For the full timeline, from booking movers to unpacking, use our moving day countdown checklist.
Moving to Washington: FAQ
How much does it cost to move to Washington?
It depends mostly on distance and how much you own. By our model, moving a 2-bedroom home about 1,150 miles from Los Angeles to Seattle costs roughly $1,730–$3,290 if you rent a truck or $3,240–$7,440 with full-service movers. These are planning ranges, not quotes.
Does Washington have a state income tax?
No. Washington does not have a broad state income tax on wages.
What is the sales tax in Washington?
Washington's statewide sales tax rate is 6.5%. Local taxes can add more, depending on the address.
How long do I have to get a Washington driver's license after moving?
30 days, according to the Washington Department of Licensing (DOL). Bring proof of identity, your Social Security number and proof of your new address, and check the agency's site for the exact list.
When is the best time to move to Washington?
June through September is driest. Cascade passes can be snowy from November through March.
Sources and accuracy
Tax and license facts on this page should be confirmed with the Washington Department of Revenue and the Washington Department of Licensing (DOL), which publish the current rules. Rules change, and some cities and counties add their own taxes. Cost figures are model estimates explained on our methodology page. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.