($1,618) Movers From Richmond, VA to Seattle, WA

What to know before moving from Richmond to Seattle

Moving from Richmond to Seattle comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Seattle is generally more expensive than Richmond, it’s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

• Rent prices in Seattle are 24% higher than in Richmond, which means you’ll have less money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Richmond.
  Home prices in Seattle are 140.0% higher than in Richmond.
• Income in Seattle is 30.6% higher than in Richmond, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Seattle include Amazon.com, Starbucks, and Costco Wholesale.
• Be sure to budget for higher bills in Seattle, since the cost of living for a single person in Seattle is 64.8% higher than in Richmond. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• If you’re moving your family to Seattle, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Seattle is 83.7% higher than in Richmond.
• The unemployment rate in Seattle is 32.39% lower than in Richmond.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Seattle, since the city’s sales taxes in Seattle are 72.50% higher than in Richmond.
• One perk of moving to Seattle is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Richmond.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,942.73 in Seattle to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Richmond.

How life is different in Richmond vs. Seattle

• The population of Seattle is about 225% greater than Richmond, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
• Seattle offers better access to buses and trains than Richmond, based on public transportation ratings. Seattle has a transit score of 8 out of 10 compared to 7 in Richmond. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
• Living in Seattle means you’ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Richmond. Seattle is considered more walkable than Richmond, with a score of 74 out of 100 versus 51 out of 100 in Richmond. A city’s walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
• If cycling is your thing, Seattle is considered more bike-friendly than Richmond in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Seattle has a bike-friendliness score of 71 out of 100, while Richmond is rated as 51 out of 100.
• The crime rate in Seattle is higher than in Richmond, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 58.88 in Seattle, it is 48.45 in Richmond. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a city’s crime levels.
• Seattle is generally as safe as Richmond, according to their similar safety index ratings. The ratings are based on how comfortable residents feel about walking alone during the daytime and nighttime and the number of small crimes like theft and muggings.
• The air quality in Seattle and Richmond 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 Richmond vs. Seattle move

• Weather: Although Seattle has a reputation for frequent rain, the climate in Seattle is very unlikely to affect your move.
• HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it’s 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 company’s license in Washington, visit the state's public utilities commission
• Moving permits: While Washington doesn’t 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 Seattle 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 Seattle

With your sights set on "Emerald City", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Seattle.

Helpful moving resources