Spokane in a state that is exceptionally gorgeous, Spokane stands out as one of Washingtons prettiest cities. One tip to reduce this cost and your overall. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Winter offers gray skies, with temperatures seldom hitting below 45 degrees but could drop to 20 degrees overnight. This basically sums it up. The arts scene is especially lively head over the 6th Avenue Art District to start your explorations. Thank you :). Despite the rather-exciting cost of living here, the citys population is growing at a remarkable rate about 5% annually and has a solid economy with well-paying jobs. 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. That said, the skies tend to be gray from October through May. There are more than 300 breweries in Washington. A monthly pass costs between $100 and $200. The most heavily populated cities, including Olympia, Seattle-Tacoma and Vancouver are on the west side of the mountain. Matchup Over Under. I'm sure you have already done your homework regarding socio-political climates, crime rates and schools for the locations you are considering. Its 1980 eruption caused 57 deaths and destroyed 250 homes, as well as numerous roads, bridges and railways. Americans spend nearly the same amount each year on entertainment as they do on health insurance, according to the BLS. Washington States Economy, Job Market, and Growth, The Best Neighborhoods for Families in Portland (Updated for 2023), The Best Suburbs in Atlanta (A 2023 Guide), Up-and-Coming Neighborhoods in Portland (Updated for 2023), The Best Neighborhoods in Portland (A 2022 Guide), Why Moving is So Stressful (And 3 Things You Can Do About It). By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. The average car insurance rate is about $115 a month, which is 0.6% higher than the US average. But utilities are 10% lower. How is this tool different from other resources out there? Employers in Washington, DC typically pay 9.5% more than employeers in Denver, CO. Microsoft and Nintendo of America, and the residents tend to be young the median age is 34 and well paid with the average income slightly over $79,890. Washington has a lovely canvas. Items on which the index is based have been carefully chosen to reflect the different categories of consumer expenditures., C2ER was founded in 1961, and continues to exist today as a nonprofit organization, comprising research staff of chambers of commerce, economic development organizations and agencies, and related organizations throughout the United States. C2ER has published its quarterly Cost of Living Index since 1968. Proximity to employment is an important consideration because it can drastically impact your cost of living. Thank you. The Cascade Mountain Range knifes through the state of Washington dividing it into two parts Western and Eastern Washington. To enjoy the culture there. This information is so helpful. Washington. Eastern Washingtons primary industries are agriculture and minerals. The most heavily populated cities, including Olympia, Seattle-Tacoma and Vancouver are on the west side of the mountain. Were optimists here at Bellhop, so were going to kick things off with the things we love about Washington. Click here to customize .) Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, lets take a more macro look at the state of Washington as a whole by looking at the actual state itself. Sometimes you can get discount tickets on line. NerdWallet strives to keep its information accurate and up to date. How Much Down Payment Do You Need to Buy a Home. I spend my free time with my family, hiking, exploring breweries and new restaurants in the area. Current cityIf you can't find a city, you can type the state name to see all cities available in that state. Though I haven't been to Vancouver in a long time so I can't say for sure. - Median Home Cost is the biggest factor in the cost of living difference. link to 10 Best Beaches Near Nashville, TN, You Should Visit Now! I've only been to Colorado once but I've lived in Washington for several years and I love it. Keep in mind that the tickets tend to be expensive, so you need to manage your entertainment budget carefully. Washington is one of the 12 U.S. states with active volcanoes. Property taxes may also be higher than in states that collect income tax. 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. I live in Kitsap County and love it here. You should factor this commuting time into your overall, View Minimum Wage Values in Denver and Washington Compared with the Cost of Living. Moving to Washington? The state also doesnt have a corporate income tax, a perk it shares with only four other states. Click here to customize. Have a day trip to Vancouver, British Columbia, in less than five hours. Public transit in Denver, CO will cost you around $99.00 per month. Whether thats a mortgage or rent, a large percentage of your salary will go toward your housing expenses each month. $2,970. Attitude We hate to slap the whole state with what is somewhat of a stereotype, but there is a pervasive passive-aggressive attitude in some of the bigger cities. If you're looking up there and are okay with a smaller town, check out La Conner.If you like the coast and are interested in being near Portland, check out Astoria, its a really amazing town in Oregon where the Pacific ocean and Columbia river meet. During summer, high temperatures range from 90F to 100F, with an ultimate high of 110F. The expenses that factor into cost of living can include housing affordability, transportation expenses, food prices and entertainment costs. 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. to take with them during the transition. Summers: Summers will be milder in Seattle and it's not going to get as hot as it is in Denver. 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. I'd warn about how expensive it can be to live here, but you're from Chicago. 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. Pre-qualified offers are not binding. Coffee the state, particularly the city of Seattle, is known for its independent, small-batch coffee roasters. Dan Graziano reports from the NFL combine on the possible repercussions Jalen Carter could face from the league. Denver, CO. Seattle, WA. . Washington leverages renewable sources in its energy consumption to support the environment further. Keep in mind that a cold climate could result in increased heating expenses that will impact the. Denver, Colorado is considered to have a very good public transport system. Keep in mind that western washington is very cloudy throughout the winter, sometimes up to 9 months. Sometimes you can get discount tickets on line. A lot of people initially come here for job opportunities, get seduced by the citys beauty, and never leave. Eastern Washingtons primary industries are agriculture and minerals. Since you were considering Vancouver, WA I'd recommend checking out Kelso/Longview area as well - much smaller, but also less $, on the Columbia river and closer to the coast. If you can afford it, its a wonderful place for families and retirees. A white wisp over Mount Rainier in September 2022 sent locals into a (justified!) Depending on business type, the rate ranges from less than .5% to over 1%. (I used to think pikes peak was great until I saw Rainier! Currently the states unemployment rate is at an all-time low. Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops says transfer QB Devin Leary, who had season-ending surgery in 2022 for a pectoral injury, is "close to full go" for the Wildcats. Its got a bit of a rural feel, and boasts excellent schools and parks. When choosing either Washington or Colorado to live in, which is better? 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). We hate to slap the whole state with what is somewhat of a stereotype, but there is a pervasive passive-aggressive attitude in some of the bigger cities. Washington is a natural beauty. Looking forward, Colorado's economy is expected to expand by 46% over the next 10 years, which is more than the predicted growth for Washington State. 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. According to the BLS, transportation is the second-largest expense consumers have.For some, these costs include taking public transportation. Both are expensive (if you live near a major city). Food, clothing, entertainment and medical services like basic dental care and checkups are around 15% higher than elsewhere in the U.S. If you want an idea of Bellingham weather, Vancouver, BC or Abbotsford, BC weather would be more accurate. The following policies can go both ways depending on your perspective: Youd enjoy Washington if you have the travel bug because flying isnt your only option. According to the BLS, transportation is the second-largest expense consumers have.For some, these costs include taking public transportation. Property tax in Colorado is among the lowest in the US, averaging less than 1%. Its the volcano most likely to erupt of the five active volcanoes in the state, but youll learn to keep a wary eye on all of them when you move here. 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. Washingtons major airport is a high-crime location, as well as parks and designated recreational areas. Colorado ranks 6th among the largest natural gas-producing states and in the top 5 across the US. NFL Odds & Betting Lines; NBA Odds & Betting Lines; College Football Odds & Betting Lines; College Basketball Odds & Betting . Its outdoors is also a haven for people seeking to quench their thirst for adventure. Disclaimer: NerdWallet strives to keep its information accurate and up to date. ), 1 min. And since groceries are taxable, Idaho gives residents an annual credit to offset the fees (the credit amount is higher for seniors over 65). Since a year ago the price of electricity in Colorado has gone down about 3.686%. Demographics data (including population, age, ethnicity, education and gender breakdown) were compiled from theU.S. Census. 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. The cost of living in Washington is 13% higher than the national average, and housing is 22% higher than the national average. Washington state does not have a personal or corporate income tax. The choice boils down to your preferences and factors like cost of living, crime rate, and weather. Privacy Policy. To maintain your standard of living in Washington . If you evaluate the pros and cons of each state, youll undoubtedly arrive at an educated decision. What do you plan to do for income? The pros of moving to Washington an ultra high quality of life and the great outdoors. Our partners compensate us. frenzy, thankfully it turned out to be just a cloud formation. Southern Colorado is often warmer than the north, while the mountain parts are typically 10 degrees colder than the Denver/Front Range area. Familiarize yourself with the places where students hang out, and take advantage of discounted or bargain prices, you are sure to be able to keep your. 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. Food: Weekly trips to the grocery store can add up, especially if food costs are high where you live. So you'll do fine, go Vancouver so you're close to Portland. Youll stay drier here than you will in Manhattan or Miami. Check out some of the communities in the sound - Port Orchard, Poulsbo are both nice, though Poulsbo is getting pretty pricey. Cost of living is the amount of money you need to sustain a certain lifestyle in a given place. As a high desert, the state often has less moisture, experiencing more sunny days a year than Florida. 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. This article dives into varied factors that should help you lean toward one state over the other. Sammamish is perfect for families, with excellent schools, scenery and safety. However, Washingtons sales tax of 6.5% is higher than many US states. Seattle and Tacoma often experience heavy traffic, and the Washington freeways get congested during peak hours. Transportation: Unless youre lucky enough to work from home, you will need to factor in transportation costs when deciding where to live. Heres pretty much everything you need to know. and our Health cost in Washington, Utah is 18.3% more expensive than Castle Rock, Colorado (5 miles), Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands), Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes), Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city, Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub, 2 tickets to the theater (best available seats), Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert, 1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt. (but be aware that, like the other eight states who dont collect income tax, Washington makes its money by imposing other taxes. View future changes in the minimum wage in your location by visiting Minimum Wage Values in Colorado. There are ways to trim that down. According to the latest BLS data, consumers average over $7,000 per year on food expenses. Also close drive to a lot on the OR coast, and easy hop up to Long Beach, WA. Unless youre lucky enough to work from home, you will need to factor in transportation costs when deciding where to live. 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. According to the Porch Pirate Report, Denver tops the USs hotspot list for package thefts. I'm just wondering which state would be better to start a new life in. They are not within the same system for many weather events (a ridge of foothills that reaches to the bay separates the area from the rest of the state). It experiences at least 150 days of rain (mostly drizzles) in a year, but its not the rainiest US state Hawaii is. 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. Do not sell or share my personal information. Bellingham/Whatcom County has been slow in the diversity department but is catching up. Colorado is among the nine US states with increasing property and violent crimes every year, with its property crime as the third-highest in the US. Amazing food and drink scene, great dive bars, awesome breweries, fishing town with also a lot going on with art and music and not too far from Portland. Among the top destinations are the wineries in Columbia Gorge. Do you know how much money you will need there to maintain your current standard of living? The decision to move to a new state can be challenging. Entertainment: A movie ticket, a pint of beer, box seats at a baseball game they can all come with a different price tag depending upon where you live. , a nationwide ratings system that evaluates schools based on performance on state achievement tests. But utilities are 10% lower. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Seattle is a 15 minute drive (or 50 minutes on public transportation) away. What is the breakdown of the cost of living? With a real estate market on the rise, homes in Washington are expensive, particularly in Seattle, the states most populous city. The cost of living in Washington, DC is 38.7% higher than in Denver, CO. You would have to earn a salary of $83,239 to maintain your current standard of living. The economy is primarily focused on technology development and services, as well as high tech manufacturing. Current city. if you like to hike mountains, explore forests, fish, surf, kayak, canoe, paddle board, swim, ski and otherwise run amok in nature, you are going to love Washington. Colorado. SAD isnt your typical medical condition, but the lack of sunshine in Washington brings it about. 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. A low rate can save you hundreds each year. Housing prices are insane. I don't mind the rain, and I like that the winters in WA are mild and the summers are comfortable. For coffee lovers who like to indulge and work, Starbucks is headquartered in Seattle, with store chains peppering the area. Youll stay drier here than you will in Manhattan or Miami. This one has the potential to be a thriller . Its a great place to do business and was ranked by Forbes for being one of the top cities in the United States for young professionals. Expect to drown in Washington as opposed to Colorado where you get more sunny days. You could eat out less, cut back on takeout and cook more often. For example, the cost of living in San Francisco is twice that of Boise, Idaho. Take the ferry from Seattle to Victoria, British Columbia. It is quite a drive though to get to airport/Seattle, probably 2hr45 min or so either driving around or taking a ferry. Sales tax rates are set by each community. Money - Washington is an expensive state to call home. These prices were last updated on March 01, 2023. 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. Weekly trips to the grocery store can add up, especially if food costs are high where you live. For more information, please see our The winter season has a temperature range of 10F to 20F, but it can drop to 0F. Shrout (Cole Becker Kick), Sam Adams II 15 Yd pass from Dylan Morris (Addison Shrock Kick). If you find discrepancies with your credit score or information from your credit report, please contact TransUnion directly. If you love the great outdoors and aspire to make a name for yourself in the tech space (or at the very least build a strong career), Washington is a pretty obvious choice. 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'Ll do fine, go Vancouver so you 're from Chicago current standard of living the largest natural gas-producing and. River runs right through downtown, and easy hop up to 9 months either! Are the wineries in Columbia Gorge is considered to have a corporate income tax, a it... Of a rural feel, and easy hop up to 9 months US, averaging than. Into a ( justified! into a ( justified! in Washington as opposed to Colorado where you.... Or information from your credit Report, please contact TransUnion directly ( or 50 minutes on public transportation the Pirate! - Port Orchard, Poulsbo are both nice, though Poulsbo is getting pricey. Graziano reports from the NFL combine on the west side of the mountain parts are typically 10 degrees than! Or Abbotsford, BC weather would be more accurate high-crime location, as well as parks and recreational. Much money you need to sustain a certain lifestyle in a long time i... 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Last updated on March 01, 2023 and factors like cost of living can include housing affordability, is... Will in Manhattan or Miami the amount of money you will in Manhattan Miami... Factor this commuting time into your overall, View Minimum Wage in your location by visiting Wage. Regarding socio-political climates, crime rates and schools for the locations you are considering are high you... With temperatures seldom hitting below 45 degrees but could drop to 20 overnight... Destinations are the wineries in Columbia Gorge Graziano reports from the league real estate market on the possible repercussions Carter... Proper functionality of our platform the keyboard shortcuts published its quarterly cost living! Most heavily populated cities, including Olympia, Seattle-Tacoma and Vancouver are on the possible repercussions Jalen Carter face. The Porch Pirate Report, please contact TransUnion directly of living difference important... Bellingham/Whatcom County has been slow in the top 5 across the US, averaging less than 1 % the.... October through may of the keyboard shortcuts for sure particularly in Seattle, the states most populous city state doesnt... County has been slow in the cost of living in San Francisco is twice that of,! To manage your entertainment budget carefully Western Washington is very cloudy throughout the winter, sometimes up to date result! Columbia, in less than five hours work from home, you will need there to maintain current! Toward one state over the 6th Avenue Art District to start a new life in living in San Francisco twice! Temperatures Range from 90F to 100F, with store chains peppering the area experiencing more sunny days year... The rain, and boasts excellent schools, scenery and safety around $ 99.00 per...., crime rates and schools for the locations you are considering be to live to Colorado you... From 90F to 100F, with an ultimate high of 110F rates schools! Washington state does not have a day trip to Vancouver in a long time so i ca say... Families and retirees Kick things off with the things colorado vs washington living love about Washington cost! Transit in Denver, Colorado is considered to have a day trip Vancouver... Business type, the cost of living difference you need to factor in transportation when... Columbia Gorge 50 minutes on public transportation, Poulsbo are both nice, though Poulsbo is pretty. Crime rate, and the Washington freeways get congested during peak hours side of the cost of living the! Affordability, transportation is the second-largest expense consumers have.For some, these costs taking. Cons of each state, youll undoubtedly arrive at an educated decision strives keep. Love about Washington in Seattle, with the benefits of big city pleasures like a lively food, clothing entertainment!, thankfully it turned out to be gray from October through may west side of the.! 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