Key factors that impact the cost of your Dallas to Olympia move
What to know before moving from Dallas to Olympia
Moving from Dallas to Olympia means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Dallas than in Olympia, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Dallas compares to Olympia so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Dallas | Olympia | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,774 | $1,895 |
Average home value | $303,900 | $508,798 |
Average income (per capita) | $68,291 | $66,492 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,828 | $2,473 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,793 | $5,391 |
Unemployment rate | 3.6% | 5.6% |
Sales tax | 8.25% | 9.4% |
State income tax | 0.0% | 0.0% |
- Rent prices in Olympia are 7% higher than in Dallas, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Dallas.
Home prices in Olympia are 67.4% higher than in Dallas. - Income in Olympia is 2.6% lower than in Dallas, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Olympia include Washington State ESD, The Evergreen State College, and Employment Security Department.
- The cost of living for a single person in Olympia is 12.6% lower than in Dallas. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Olympia is 30.8% lower than in Dallas.
- The unemployment rate in Olympia is 55.56% higher than in Dallas.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Olympia, since the cityโs sales taxes in Olympia are 13.94% higher than in Dallas.
- State income taxes are the same in Olympia and Dallas.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,623.41 in Olympia to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Dallas.
How life is different in Dallas vs. Olympia
Olympia | Dallas | |
---|---|---|
Population | 55,605 | 1,304,379 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 6 |
Walkability score | 39 | 46 |
Bike friendliness score | 59 | 49 |
Crime Index | 27.95 | 51.4 |
Safety Index | 62.25 | 48.6 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Olympia might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 96% less than Dallas.
- Getting around Olympia without a car might be more difficult than in Dallas. Olympia has a public transportation score of 5 out of 10, whereas Dallas is ranked 6. Ratings are based on a cityโs transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
- Olympia neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Dallas. Based on its score of 39 out of 100, Olympia isnโt as walkable as Dallas, which has a score of 46 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
- If cycling is your thing, Olympia is considered more bike-friendly than Dallas in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Olympia has a bike-friendliness score of 59 out of 100, while Dallas is rated as 49 out of 100.
- Olympia has a lower crime rate than Dallas based on scores of 27.95 and Dallas's 51.4, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
- You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Olympia than in Dallas, based on Olympiaโs safety index of 62.25 versus 48.6 for Dallas. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
- The air quality in Olympia and Dallas is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.
Other things to consider for your Dallas vs. Olympia move
- Weather: July, August and September are the driest months in Olympia, WA and so it would be best to plan moving during these months. Snow and rain might be a challenge deo relocation during the colder months, specially during December and January.
- HOA rules: Itโs a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโs a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: Movers operating within Washington DC city limits are subject to regulation by the Utilities and Transportation Commission, which issues operating permits to household goods moving companies. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโs license in Washington, visit the state's public utilities commission
- Moving permits: While Washington doesnโt mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Olympia without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. When planning a move in Washington state, explore movers' insurance options for added peace of mind. Many moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Enhance your protection by discussing Full Value Protection with the moving company or exploring personalized plans with third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your Washington state moving insurance.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Olympia
With your sights set on "Oly", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Olympia.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- South Capitol
- Downtown
- Upper Eastside
- Bigelow
- Woodfield Estates
Best neighborhoods for families
- Woodfield Estates
- Eastside
- Governor Stevens
- Bigelow
- Carlyon-North
Things to do in Olympia
After settling into your new Washington home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Olympia has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: Olympia is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Hands On Children's Museum, Olympic Flight Museum, WET Science Center, Bigelow House Museum, and Childhood's End Gallery.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, Squaxin Park, Percival Landing, and Tolmie State Park โ among other sites โ are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Dallas to Olympia?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Dallas to Olympia are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Dallas are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Dallas to Olympia?
With many people choosing to move from Dallas to Olympia in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Dallas to Olympia take?
Moving from Dallas, TX to Olympia, WA covers 2,142 miles and usually takes six to 17 days. Need to move faster? Some Dallas movers offer expedited options. If youโre not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Olympia.