Moving from Washington to Texas

Washington is a beautiful state with breathtaking scenery, mountain ranges and quaint cities. While there are some perks of living in Washington, like no state income tax and a stellar culinary scene, there are also disadvantages that lead many people to move from Washington to Texas. 

Texas is one of the most popular places to relocate because of its affordability, cost of living, and quality of life. If you're ready to wave goodbye to Washington and make Texas your new permanent home, we're here to help. We created a guide for moving from Washington to Texas so you can plan and prepare accordingly. 

Benefits of Moving from Washington to Texas

While Washington has beautiful views and access to nature, it's not the best place to live year-round. For starters, it rains - a lot. Housing prices have also started to skyrocket in the last few years, and the sales tax is significantly higher than in other states. 

According to the North American Van Lines Migration Map, Washington is the fifth top outbound state in 2023. This means Washington is seeing significantly more outbound movers than inbound movers. Many individuals and families are priced out of their current homes in Washington and are looking for a more affordable option to settle down. 

Texas is a well-rounded state with mild weather, family-friendly neighborhoods and southern hospitality. It's a great option to consider, especially if you want to save on everyday expenses but still enjoy your time on the weekends. If you're planning on moving from Washington to Texas, here's what you can look forward to:

Cost of Living Difference

According to data gathered by My Life Elsewhere, the cost of living in Washington is 20.9% higher than in Texas. Individuals in Washington pay more for groceries, housing, childcare and entertainment. 

Moving from Washington to Texas can help you save on everyday expenses. Buying and owning a house is also more affordable. According to Zillow, the average home value in Texas is around $304,027, while Washington is $591,148. Buying a home in any city or suburb in Texas can lead to a significant cost-saving opportunity for you and your family. 

It's crucial to note that the cost of living can vary significantly from city to city in Texas. Some cities may be more expensive than others, so it's essential to compare and ensure that the city you're considering fits your budget and lifestyle.

Beautiful Views in Texas

Texas is home to 89 state parks and two national parks. There are mountain ranges, preserves, parks and breathtaking views everywhere you turn. What might surprise you is just how big Texas really is. It would take almost 11 hours to drive the entire state from East to West. That just means there's a ton to see and even more to explore. 

When you aren't spending the weekend exploring nature or a state park, you can kick back and relax on one of the beaches in Galveston or South Padre Island. Some of the must-sees of the state include:

• Big Bend National Park
• Palo Duro Canyon Park
• Caverns of Sonora
• Caddo Lake
• Garner State Park

Active Outdoor Lifestyle

Texas is the perfect state for individuals who want to commit to a more active lifestyle. From hiking and fishing to boating and swimming, there is always something to do on the weekend when you live in Texas. Some of the most popular outdoor activities include:

• Canoeing
• Kayaking
• Rafting 
• Biking
• Rock Climbing
• Sailing
• Skiing 
• Surfing

Texas is also home to many of the best hiking trails in the country. The best part? The weather is relatively mild and pleasant year-round. So you can truly enjoy everything the state offers on the weekends without rain or cold weather getting in the way.

Sports Teams

Sports are deeply ingrained into Texas culture. The state has over 12 different professional teams, and there are countless college sports teams that are loved and cheered on just the same. Weekends are dedicated to tailgating and drinking cold drinks while watching games at your favorite bar.

So once you find a new place to settle down and start making friends, don't be surprised if you're invited to a few sporting events, parties, or games!

Traffic and Commute

According to Texas.gov, the average work commute in Texas is 26.6 minutes. In contrast, the average commute in Washington is around 27.3 minutes. 

Texas is a much bigger state than Washington. This means everything is spread apart, and you won't need to worry about sitting in traffic after working your 9-5.

Since the cost of living is so much less than in Washington, you may also be able to afford a home closer to work. This can significantly improve your commute and open doors to public transportation. 

Best Cities to Live in Texas

Three of the largest cities in the United States are located in Texas. You'll find that there are many vibrant communities throughout the state. If you have some flexibility on where you can or want to live, consider weighing the pros and cons of each city to find the perfect place for you and your family. 

Here are five of the best cities to consider:

• Dallas: Dallas has a ton to offer individuals moving from Washington for a fresh start. The city has an abundance of restaurants and shopping spots to explore. It's also relatively affordable and is great for younger families, individuals and even retirees.
• Fort Worth: Fort Worth is the 12th biggest city in the United States. It's located right outside of Dallas and is home to many affordable, family-friendly suburbs and world-class museums. 
• Austin: Often referred to as the live music capital of the world, Austin has a ton to offer young professionals looking to launch their careers. The state has a world-class culinary scene, vibrant nightlife and inexpensive housing. 
• Houston: Affordable, lively and beautiful. Houston has a captivating energy. It has everything from professional sports to fun-filled outdoor attractions and a booming economy. 
• San Antonio: San Antonio is great for families, retirees and young professionals. It's also relatively affordable. There are also many restaurants, shops and attractions to explore on the weekends. 

Cost of Moving From Washington to Texas

The distance from Washington to Texas makes the move tricky. Washington is roughly 1,893 miles away from Texas. If you plan to self-pack, load, and unpack, you must allocate at least a week to relocate successfully. In addition, you'll need to budget for renting a moving truck, paying for gas, and buying moving supplies.

As you prepare to move from Washington to Texas, you are probably concerned about the cost of your move. Long-distance moves can be expensive, so it’s important to choose a moving company that offers excellent service at an affordable price. North American is proud to offer superior service and competitive pricing. The average linehaul moving cost from Washington to Texas with North American Van Lines is $7,500.

The actual price will be dependent on other variables such as the number of items being moved, the exact distance of the move, and any additional moving services such as packing and unpacking. The best way to get an accurate quote is by using our Quote on Demand tool above or calling our customer service representatives.