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Moving to Washington State: What It’s Like to Live in the Evergreen State
Washington draws people who want a mix of career opportunities and natural beauty, and for many it's important that it offers an environment of cultural openness. It’s home to some of the country’s biggest employers, Amazon, Microsoft, and Boeing, but also to hundreds of smaller, creative businesses and a strong startup scene. The landscape stretches from Puget Sound and snow-capped peaks to rolling wine country, giving residents an incredible range of lifestyles.
The state’s combination of urban innovation and environmental access keeps attracting people from California, Texas, and the East Coast. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Washington added roughly 85,000 new residents in 2023, driven by job growth in tech, aerospace, and healthcare. Most of that growth centers around the Puget Sound region, though Spokane and the Tri-Cities continue to expand steadily.
Cost of Living in Washington
Washington is among the pricier states to live in, mostly because of housing in the Puget Sound region. But wages — especially in tech, healthcare, and government — keep pace with those costs, and there’s no state income tax.
- Home prices: The statewide median home price sits near $570,000, with Seattle metro averaging around $750,000, and more affordable cities like Spokane and Yakima ranging between $325,000–$400,000.
- Rent: Expect $2,000+ for a one-bedroom in Seattle and $1,200–$1,500 in smaller metros.
- Taxes: No state income tax, but higher sales and gas taxes offset some of that advantage.
- Utilities: Moderate overall, though energy prices run slightly above average.
- Transportation: Public transit in major metros helps reduce commuting costs.
Washington rewards those earning metro-area salaries or working remotely, while smaller inland cities remain accessible for middle-income households.
TL;DR: Washington Regions at a Glance
Region----------------------------What Works------------------------Good Fit For
Seattle–Tacoma–Bellevue-----------Jobs, culture, transit-----------------Tech professionals, urban families
(Puget Sound)
South Puget Sound-----------------Natural beauty, affordability----------Families, remote workers
(Olympia, Lacey, Gig Harbor)
Spokane/Eastern Washington--------Lower cost, four seasons------------Families, remote workers
Central Washington-----------------Agriculture, sunshine, affordability----Retirees, small-business owners
(Yakima, Wenatchee)
North Cascades & Bellingham-------College town energy, scenery---------Creatives, outdoor lovers
Southwest Washington-------------Portland access, lower tax base-------Portland commuters, families
(Vancouver, Camas)
Where in Washington Should You Live?
Seattle–Tacoma–Bellevue (Puget Sound)
This is the state’s economic and cultural center. Seattle’s tech economy fuels much of Washington’s growth, while Tacoma and Bellevue balance urban access with calmer neighborhoods.
What Works: Strong jobs, vibrant culture, and excellent public transit.
Watch Out For: High housing costs and gray winters that test some newcomers.
South Puget Sound
Communities like Olympia, Lacey, and Gig Harbor offer a slower pace but stay connected to Seattle and Tacoma via I-5 and Sound Transit. Forests, coastlines, and walkable downtowns give these towns a distinct charm.
What Works: Affordability relative to Seattle and access to nature.
Watch Out For: Longer commutes and limited nightlife.
Spokane & Eastern Washington
Spokane anchors the eastern side of the state — a true four-season city with universities, medical centers, and growing tech jobs. The cost of living is far lower than in the West.
What Works: Affordable housing, local pride, and a growing cultural scene.
Watch Out For: Distance from the coast and cold winters.
Central Washington
Sunny, agricultural towns like Yakima and Wenatchee offer wide-open living and some of the best weather in the state.
What Works: Sunshine, space, and value housing.
Watch Out For: Smaller job markets and summer heat.
North Cascades & Bellingham
Bellingham sits between Seattle and Vancouver, BC — a mix of university town, outdoor hub, and creative enclave.
What Works: Compact downtown, scenery, and progressive culture.
Watch Out For: Housing supply can’t keep up with demand.
Southwest Washington
Vancouver and Camas provide Oregon access without Oregon taxes. They’ve become commuter favorites for Portland workers seeking more space and family-oriented neighborhoods.
What Works: Tax advantage, affordability, and easy access to Portland amenities.
Watch Out For: Rapid growth and limited local job options.
Best Cities in Washington to Consider
Seattle
Global city with tech jobs, arts, and waterfront living.
Bellevue
Upscale, business-friendly, and high-performing schools.
Tacoma
Affordable, creative, and reviving rapidly.
Spokane
Affordable, family-friendly, and culturally lively.
Olympia
Progressive, green, and community-driven.
Bellingham
Coastal, outdoorsy, and university-anchored.
Vancouver
Suburban comfort with Portland’s culture next door.
Yakima
Sunny, affordable, and emerging for small businesses.
Is Washington Right for You?
Washington is ideal for people who want economic opportunity wrapped in natural beauty. It works best if you’re comfortable with rain, higher housing costs, or a little distance between mountains and coast. The payoff is a quality of life that’s hard to beat — one where career and landscape coexist easily.
FAQs About Living in Washington
Q: Is Washington affordable?
A: Not in Seattle, but Spokane, Yakima, and other inland areas are far more manageable.
Q: What are the safest areas?
A: Sammamish, Bainbridge Island, and Camas often top safety rankings.
Q: Do I need a car?
A: In smaller cities, yes. Seattle and Bellevue have strong transit networks that make car-free living possible.
Q: What’s the job market like?
A: Tech dominates the Puget Sound, but healthcare, education, and energy also thrive statewide.
Q: Does it rain all the time?
A: Western Washington sees frequent drizzle, but summers are dry and sunny. Eastern Washington is semi-arid and sunny most of the year.
Q: Is there a state income tax?
A: No, but higher sales and gas taxes balance the budget.
Ready to Find Your Washington Fit?
From Puget Sound tech hubs to sunny Eastern cities, Washington offers both career strength and outdoor freedom.
- Take the LookyLOO Quiz to discover your best-fit Washington cities and save them in your Movebook.