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Moving from Texas to Washington

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. No income tax, mega-economies, hot summers, big swings. vs. Tech (Amazon, MS), no income tax, rainy West side.

TX state flag
Living now

Texas

Capital: Austin

Median household income $75,780 · winter low 38°F · 232 sunny days

No income tax, mega-economies, hot summers, big swings.

WA state flag
Moving to

Washington

Capital: Olympia

Median household income $90,325 · winter low 35°F · 152 sunny days

Tech (Amazon, MS), no income tax, rainy West side.

Washington has an overall price level 107.0 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Texas
97.1
Washington
107.0
Washington has 10% higher overall price level
Housing index
Texas
96.5
Washington
126.0
Washington has 31% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Texas
99.3
Washington
101.8
Washington has 2.5% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Texas
99.6
Washington
101.1
Washington has 1.5% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Texas
16.4 ¢/kWh
Washington
14.4 ¢/kWh
Washington has 12% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Texas
99.4
Washington
101.4
Washington has 2.0% higher transportation
Median home value
Texas
$313,200
Washington
$602,200
Washington is 92% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Texas
$1,307/mo
Washington
$1,641/mo
Washington is 26% more expensive to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals · EPA AirNow (live) state-level

Summer high 79°F · Winter low 35°F · 152 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Texas
96°F
Washington
79°F
Washington is 18% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Texas
38°F
Washington
35°F
Washington is 7.9% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Texas
232°F
Washington
50°F
Washington is 79% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Texas
28
Washington
152
Washington has 443% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Texas
57 in
Washington
40 in
Washington is 30% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Texas
3
Washington
39
Washington has 1200% higher AQI
Snow / year
29 in

Get the full TexasWashington report

Schools, healthcare, taxes, transportation, lifestyle, crime, family fit, move logistics, AI assistant, and 90-day timeline.

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Washington than Texas?

Washington's overall price level is roughly 105.8 (US avg = 100), vs about 96.3 for Texas — based on BEA Regional Price Parities. Housing is the dominant driver of the difference. Run a comparison for the full, current breakdown.

What's the income tax difference?

Texas tops out at 0% income tax. Washington tops out at 0%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in Washington?

Most Washington residents must register a vehicle within 30-60 days of moving. Check the piomover report for state-specific deadlines.

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