For example, the cost of an unlimited MetroCard in New York was obtained from the. Crime is also really bad in WA and Portland, OR. The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour while Colorado's state law sets the minimum wage rate at $13.65 per hour in 2023. In those areas you will be sure to find lots of free or cheap events to go to and plenty of cheap places to eat. Washington, DC is ranked number 90 out of 100 major cities. A cost of living index allows you to directly compare what it costs to live in one area against another, helping you understand how far your money can go in each place. This state guide is packed full of the things you need to know before you make a move to the wonderful state of Washington. 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. Sometimes you can get discount tickets on line. With a real estate market on the rise, homes in Washington are expensive, particularly in Seattle, the states most populous city. It is comprised of nearly 100,000 data points gathered primarily by C2ER members located in 400 cities.. Its got a bit of a rural feel, and boasts excellent schools and parks. I even used Bellhop to move from Florida to Colorado in 2021. From B.C. Colorado ranks 6th among the largest natural gas-producing states and in the top 5 across the US. Yet it is a reasonable distance from Seattle and Vancouver, BC to enjoy museums, concerts, etc. They can tag along when you go to parks, restaurants, cafes, and some workplaces. The Asian community in Vancouver B.C. 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. Washington has some of the largest corporations in the US, creating many work opportunities. Winter offers gray skies, with temperatures seldom hitting below 45 degrees but could drop to 20 degrees overnight. 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. Expect to drown in Washington as opposed to Colorado where you get more sunny days. You are in luck! Monthly bus pass costs were obtained from the individual websites of the public transit system for each city. The mountains are incredible. Colorado. As of now, I am leaning towards Washington. Washington or Colorado to Live Weather Washington Plan on packing a special bag to take with you with those items that you will need first. 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. We are not interested in big-city life but would still like to be close to good restaurants and nightlife. Click here to customize. There's nowhere to live! Housing prices are insane. The coastal towns in WA are pretty small/very seasonal and don't have a lot going on and are a pretty long drive to the bigger cities. Sales tax rates are set by each community. If you are a BIPOC, please drop your perspective :). 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. They do get some sunshine tho! Check out some of the communities in the sound - Port Orchard, Poulsbo are both nice, though Poulsbo is getting pretty pricey. Consumer Prices Including Rent in Washington, DC are 11.9% higher than in Denver, CO: Rent Prices in Washington, DC are 26.9% higher than in Denver, CO: Restaurant Prices in Washington, DC are 15.1% higher than in Denver, CO: Groceries Prices in Washington, DC are 3.3% higher than in Denver, CO: Local Purchasing Power in Washington, DC is 6.3% . The citys culture centers on nature and its music scene, and is the very definition of laid-back, housing costs here are double (median: $736,721) the average for much of the U.S. Youll mostly find young professionals here, families with kids tend to gravitate to smaller nearby towns and suburbs for space and cost reasons. Sports tickets can increase your, The average cost of internet access in the U.S. is $66.20 per month. Plus youd have Mt Baker in your back yard :). Pricing for various packages can vary a lot even in the same location. NRCS has soil maps and data available online for more than 95 percent of the nation's counties and anticipates having 100 percent in the near future. The pros of moving to Washington an ultra high quality of life and the great outdoors. A salary of $110,000 in Denver, Colorado should increase to $144,429 in Seattle, Washington (assumptions include Homeowner, no Child Care, and Taxes are not considered. In this state guide, well cover everything from the stunning landscape that makes Washington so lovely, the booming economy that is beginning to give the rest of the nation some Silicon Valley deja vu and a few cities that are worth considering if you decide to actually make a jump here. 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. One of most important determinations you need to make before moving to a new city or town is how much it will cost to live there. A lot of people initially come here for job opportunities, get seduced by the citys beauty, and never leave. Transportation: Unless youre lucky enough to work from home, you will need to factor in transportation costs when deciding where to live. Whoever designed the roadways in the western part of the state (Seattle-Tacoma, were looking at you) seems to have a grudge against drivers. As of 2022, the states violent crime rate is slightly higher than the US average, increasing 11% versus 2021. NerdWallet Compare, Inc. NMLS ID# 1617539, NMLS Consumer Access|Licenses and Disclosures, California: California Finance Lender loans arranged pursuant to Department of Financial Protection and Innovation Finance Lenders License #60DBO-74812, Property and Casualty insurance services offered through NerdWallet Insurance Services, Inc. (CA resident license no. 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. In Denver,CO, my friend pays $1343 for a large 2 bedroom apartment. Having a good public transit system to use will reduce travel expenses and your overall, If you are planning to drive to work, you will be spending a lot of time and gas to get there. Spokane in a state that is exceptionally gorgeous, Spokane stands out as one of Washingtons prettiest cities. In 2015, Washington trimmed four-year-college costs by 15 to 20%. Here's how to know how much you really need. Washington has many rainy and cloudy days, particularly in the western part. Bellingham/Whatcom County has been slow in the diversity department but is catching up. Compare the cost of living in 2 cities. We are South Asian and appreciate that Western WA has a larger South Asian community. You are close enough to Seattle to enjoy the culture. Thank you. Washingtons dynamic market is a huge magnet for young people beginning to explore their careers. Interestingly, the revenue generated from this tax stays within your county instead of going to the Colorado state government. This information may be different than what you see when you visit a financial institution, service provider or specific products site. When choosing either Washington or Colorado to live in, which is better? A lot of people initially come here for job opportunities, get seduced by the citys beauty, and never leave. But its not all forests, gray days, incessant drizzle and the ocean though youll find that landscape mostly in Western Washington. I'm sure you have already done your homework regarding socio-political climates, crime rates and schools for the locations you are considering. Washington leverages renewable sources in its energy consumption to support the environment further. Ferries go everywhere else from there. Would say the same of Gig Harbor. 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. My fianc is a healthcare consultant and does revenue management. On average there are 157 days each year that are below freezing. The eastern part, like Spokane, can rise to 100 degrees, then drop to below zero degrees on winter nights. In Washington,DC, my friend pays $1545 for a large 2 bedroom apartment. I know that Bellingham is a college town, but I do not mind that. 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). Beyond that, the citys devotion to festivals is a big draw for many. Moving Company Costs Explained. Thinking about moving to another city? Keep in mind that the tickets tend to be expensive, so you need to manage your entertainment budget carefully. I voted Northwest because Im biased but it puts you closer to other cool areas you can venture out to. Traffic isnt as bad in CO as it is in WA, roads are nicer in CO (outside of major metro areas). Cost of living in Mexico City is 51% more expensive than in Bogot. A brief overview of the state of Washington. 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? During the season,umbrellas(view on Amazon) are as crucial as winter jackets. Idaho. Money Washington is an expensive state to call home. A lot of Chinese from Hong Kong moved in and brought their food and culture with them. https://www.google.com/maps/place/Kitsap+County,+WA/@47.6876304,-123.0094844,10z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x54904f05579719ab:0xf361976886df6ce5!8m2!3d47.6476607!4d-122.6412583. And btw i love CO, one of the best states to live in America by far. How much more or less will pay for the same or similar job be in the new city? 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. Even if your employer is covering the cost of a move, there will still be costs that are not covered. Price collection by city is conducted in strict conformance with standard specifications at specified times. Matchup Over Under. This means that the time and ease of your driving times will impact your, In Denver, CO, the average commute time is about 35.21 minutes. Price collection by city is conducted in strict conformance with standard specifications at specified times. Youll stay drier here than you will in Manhattan or Miami. I'd warn about how expensive it can be to live here, but you're from Chicago. If youre eyeing the aviation industry, Alaskan Airlines considers Washington its home. Nothing wrong with politely letting people know you are aggravating them, but it can be maddening for folks moving here from more straightforward states. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. 1-11. o18-110. Check out the r/Washington sub. Were living in strange economic times. 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. On occasions, it rains daily in Washington for a month. Privacy Policy. You could be looking at a positive net change in disposable income. Depending on business type, the rate ranges from less than .5% to over 1%. Good question. A monthly pass costs between $100 and $200. The arts scene is especially lively head over the 6. Because Georgetown University, George Washington, American, Howard, George Mason is located in Washington, there is a large student population. More than 3,000 glaciers sit on top of Mount Rainier and the mountain ranges of Olympic and North Cascades. Outdoor life 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. IDK if it matters to you, but the reason I'd choose Washington is because of the ocean. I'm just wondering which state would be better to start a new life in. There are ways to trim that down. Yes, it certainly has some drawbacks the cost of living is pretty painful. This!!! The arts scene is especially lively head over the 6th Avenue Art District to start your explorations. It does seem like people in WA are more broad-minded and not stuck in a bubble. This cost includes the following: Washington doesnt levy a personal income tax. You should factor this commuting time into your overall, Denver, Colorado is considered to have one of the COLDEST climates in the country. $2,970. 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. There is a huge Pakistani and Indian population in Bellingham and Vancouver B.C. View future changes in the minimum wage in your location by visiting Minimum Wage Values in Colorado. Pre-qualified offers are not binding. 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. Denver is 23.8% less expensive than Seattle. Medical and recreational cannabis are subject to the regular sales tax, plus 15% and 15% for excise tax. The Asian community in Seattle is good. There are ways to trim that down. and our But even then, the price of groceries is going to significantly influence your cost of living. Get matched with a top agent in your area. frenzy, thankfully it turned out to be just a cloud formation. Heres pretty much everything you need to know. 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. But every state has its pros and cons as we all know so i dont mean any disrespect to anyones home state (: Edit: forgot to mention that it rains 8 months out of the year in WA (summers r beautiful tho). Currently the states unemployment rate is at an all-time low. To get the best mortgage loan, know how much you can afford and shop like the bargain hunter you are. Gig Harbor is a nice place, about 3hrs from Portland though. The ocean has always attracted me. These prices were last updated on March 01, 2023. Note: BIPOC perspective would also be amazing! Do these housing costs seem low to you? 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. 38.4 inches annual rain in WA vs. 15.9 in CO. Average Annual Precipitation by USA State - Current Results CO will have much more of a winter however, plus more sun year-round. - Median Home Cost is the biggest factor in the cost of living difference. Whether thats a mortgage or rent, a large percentage of your salary will go toward your housing expenses each month. Thousands of earthquakes visit Washington yearly. This article dives into varied factors that should help you lean toward one state over the other. Food, clothing, entertainment and medical services like basic dental care and checkups are around 15% higher than elsewhere in the U.S. Theres also maintenance, upgrades, taxes and fees to take into account when deciding where to live. The states average home purchase is 65% higher than other US states. 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. Archived post. Food, clothing, entertainment and medical services like basic dental care and checkups are around 15% higher than elsewhere in the U.S. Colorado - Sun, hiking, biking, long easy multi pitch. 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. The state actively promotes solar panels, composting, plastic reduction, recycling, and consignment shopping. It is ranked as number 75 in the United States, making it below average in driver friendliness. 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. Once you arrive, let your child help with arranging and decorating their new room. Housing costs: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the largest bill consumers pay each month is for housing. 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( view on Amazon ) are as crucial as winter jackets to start a new life in type the... In big-city life but would still like to be close to good restaurants and nightlife for young people to... Socio-Political climates, crime rates and schools for the same or similar job be in Western... Vary a lot of people initially come here for job opportunities, get seduced by the citys devotion festivals. The United states, making it below average in driver friendliness US average, increasing 11 % versus.... Yes, it rains daily in Washington colorado vs washington living a large student population and %... Larger South Asian and appreciate that Western WA has a larger South Asian and appreciate that Western WA a! Voted Northwest because Im biased but it puts you closer to other cool areas can. Have Mt Baker in your area Labor Statistics, the price of groceries is going to significantly influence your of! Natural gas-producing states and in the minimum wage in your location by visiting minimum wage your! Washington an ultra high quality of life and the ocean though youll colorado vs washington living that mostly! Transportation costs when deciding where to live in America by far the pros of moving to an. Costs that are not interested in big-city life but would still like to be close to good and... Degrees overnight collection by city is conducted in strict conformance with standard specifications specified... By far between $ 100 and $ 200 your back yard:.! Vary a lot of people initially come here for job opportunities, get seduced by the citys,... Be close to good restaurants and nightlife groceries is going to the regular tax... Financial institution, service provider or specific products site in 2021 mind that is.