Living in Colorado or Washington has both advantages and disadvantages. The base sales tax is 2.9%, with cities adding their own sales tax. 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. Yet it is a reasonable distance from Seattle and Vancouver, BC to enjoy museums, concerts, etc. It's the heart of WA! Pre-qualified offers are not binding. Items on which the index is based have been carefully chosen to reflect the different categories of consumer expenditures., C2ER was founded in 1961, and continues to exist today as a nonprofit organization, comprising research staff of chambers of commerce, economic development organizations and agencies, and related organizations throughout the United States. C2ER has published its quarterly Cost of Living Index since 1968. 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. Looks like this move could have a negative net change in disposable income. 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. Eastern Washingtons primary industries are agriculture and minerals. 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. Sponsored by Simple App Why do famous people use IF in 2023 for weight loss? And no, it doesnt rain all the time. ESPN Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. But utilities are 10% lower. Electric costs will contribute to the energy component of your overall, It is difficult to exactly predict the cost of child care in any city, which for parents, is a large part of the. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. And since groceries are taxable, Idaho gives residents an annual credit to offset the fees (the credit amount is higher for seniors over 65). Washington is one of the 12 U.S. states with active volcanoes. I know nothing about Colorado so can't help you there! - Median Home Cost is the biggest factor in the cost of living difference. Renting is a less expensive option across 53% of the Colorado area, averaging less than $1,500 a month. But even then, the price of groceries is going to significantly influence your cost of living. It does seem like people in WA are more broad-minded and not stuck in a bubble. while the rest of the country melts into sweaty little pools of humidity-induced delirium, or roasts in unceasing heat, people in the western part of Washington state are living their best lives. For example, a recent report in The Seattle Times pointed out that in the summer of 2022 more companies posted job openings in Washington state than almost anywhere else in the U.S. indicating inflation is likely to persist as labor shortages continue. Yay, and oh no. The ocean has always attracted me. How Much Down Payment Do You Need to Buy a Home. Before you get the keys to your new home, you'll have to pay closing costs. Thinking about moving to another city? If youre considering moving to Washington, youve come to the right place. Some people purchase a season ticket with a group of friends and take turns going to the games. Americas third-largest Independence Day celebration happens here, and theres also Taste of Tacoma, Ethnic Fest, Tacoma Pride and the Tacoma Film Festival to enjoy. NerdWallet strives to keep its information accurate and up to date. Is Moving to Washington State Right for You? Usingmoisturizers(view on Amazon) isnt an indulgence because it prevents skin cracking. Trip up to Whistler along the Sea to Sky highway or head over to small towns in interior bc like Revelstoke. , a nationwide ratings system that evaluates schools based on performance on state achievement tests. frenzy, thankfully it turned out to be just a cloud formation. Whether thats a mortgage or rent, a large percentage of your salary will go toward your housing expenses each month. Colorado. Keep in mind that western washington is very cloudy throughout the winter, sometimes up to 9 months. Food, clothing, entertainment and medical services like basic dental care and checkups are around 15% higher than elsewhere in the U.S. Keep in mind that a cold climate could result in increased heating expenses that will impact the. There's the whole Kitsap County which seems perfect for you. Redmond is a Seattle suburb on the northern shore of Lake Sammamish. Also close drive to a lot on the OR coast, and easy hop up to Long Beach, WA. Welcome to Sunlight Living - your resource for choosing a retirement community and preparing for a happy, comfortable life ahead. The average healthcare cost of $340 a month includes organic food, gym membership, vitamins, and outdoor activities like camping, skiing, and hiking. That said, the skies tend to be gray from October through May. 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. Record-breaking wildfires engulfed Washington cities with dense smoke during the summer months. Cost of living in Mexico City is 51% more expensive than in Bogot. Even if your employer is covering the cost of a move, there will still be costs that are not covered. For example, the cost of living in San Francisco is twice that of Boise, Idaho. The choice boils down to your preferences and factors like cost of living, crime rate, and weather. Washington is truly a gem in the Pacific Northwest and not just for its breathtaking natural beauty. Our partners compensate us. Median 2-bedroom apartment rent. The 20-port destinations include British Columbia and, Seattle, Tacoma. Utility expense is average in Colorado, less than $250 a month. You would have to earn a salary of $43,249 to maintain your current standard of living. On a summer day, the temperature swings from 40F to 30F within 15 minutes, accompanied by thunderstorms. I don't mind the rain, and I like that the winters in WA are mild and the summers are comfortable. Shopping there can considerably reduce, If you love sports, you will love Washington, DC! Signs are hard to spot, lanes are cramped, on-ramps have stop signs, left lanes morph into exit ramps its all just so very whimsical. Since there are football, baseball, basketball, hockey teams, you can go to a lot of games. Colorado supports healthy living and is vigilant about renewable resources. Property taxes may also be higher than in states that collect income tax. If you want an idea of Bellingham weather, Vancouver, BC or Abbotsford, BC weather would be more accurate. Dan Graziano reports from the NFL combine on the possible repercussions Jalen Carter could face from the league. 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. According to the latest BLS data, consumers average over $7,000 per year on food expenses. According to the council, C2ER produces the Cost of Living Index to provide a useful and reasonably accurate measure of living cost differences among urban areas. Don't use the Seattle weather reports to judge Bellingham. Port Townsend nearby is more expensive but has a lot going on with the arts and is a little bit closer to Seattle. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans), 1 month of gym membership in business district, Summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) in, 1 month of gym membership in business district in, Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district in, Monthly rent - 85 m2 furnished accommodation in expensive area in. Also known as Business and Occupation Tax (B&O Tax), its computed based on sales revenue, gross proceeds, gross business income, and product values. Can ferry or drive into Seattle/Bellevue in 50-90 minutes, depending on traffic. Are you moving to Washington D.C.? A white wisp over Mount Rainier in September 2022 sent locals into a (justified!) People expect excellence in their mugs, and there are numerous coffee houses that deliver the optimum caffeine experience. If you find discrepancies with your credit score or information from your credit report, please contact TransUnion directly. Also in its favor is the easy accessibility of so many diverse activities. I voted Northwest because Im biased but it puts you closer to other cool areas you can venture out to. Pre-qualified offers are not binding. 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). And no, it doesnt rain all the time. Property taxes may also be higher than in states that collect income tax. One tip to reduce this cost and your overall, The average cost of moving to another state is around $5,600 for a distance of 1,200 miles. It's better all around, I've traveled a lot to both, and while I do personally like Colorado better for hiking and driving through the mountains; I would move to Washington if I had the choise. Instead of central heating systems and electric stoves, they use furnaces and gas cooktops in the winter. Transportation: Unless youre lucky enough to work from home, you will need to factor in transportation costs when deciding where to live. Americas third-largest Independence Day celebration happens here, and theres also Taste of Tacoma, Ethnic Fest, Tacoma Pride and the Tacoma Film Festival to enjoy. But given Washingtons moderate temperatures, utility bills are average. Bellingham still has somewhat of a small town feel to it if you are looking to get away from the big city atmosphere. Cost of Living in Highlands Ranch, Colorado: 58.30 miles: Cost of Living in Aurora, Colorado: 68.47 miles: Cost of Living in Denver, Colorado: 68.52 miles: Cost of Living in Thornton, Colorado: 79.82 miles: Cost of Living in Fairplay, Colorado: 83.54 miles: Cost of Living in Boulder, Colorado: 97.24 miles: Cost of Living in Breckenridge . Coming from Chicago our climate will probably be an easy adjustment for you. 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. 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. One tip to reduce this cost and your overall. Food, clothing, entertainment and medical services like basic dental care and checkups are around 15% higher than elsewhere in the U.S. Washington, DC is ranked NO. Moving Company Costs Explained. Do you know how much money you will need there to maintain your current standard of living? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the largest bill consumers pay each month is for housing. This comparison is based on abundant and consistent data. to NorCal, from the Pacific to Idaho, welcome to the Pacific Northwest. What do you plan to do for income? That can play a big factor. Well send you a 5% discount code to use whenever you are ready to get moving. Have you visited both states? Washingtons Indian summer is the time for barbeque camping, happening from mid-May to mid-September. Then, well share a few not so great things you might want to consider before moving here. Like much of the state, nature is the big draw here, along with brew pubs, coffee shops, casual dining and a vibrant arts and music scene. Medical and recreational cannabis are subject to the regular sales tax, plus 15% and 15% for excise tax. In Colorado it is hot and dry but as a person who lives in Washington I can assure you that Washington state is one of the best places to live in, it's nature is truly awesome and there are so many job opportunities as well as schools. It can get pretty arid, but the scenery is beautiful. Though I haven't been to Vancouver in a long time so I can't say for sure. Some of the locals (people that grew up here or have lived here most of their lives) just don't want any more people to move here. Cookie Notice Since there are football, baseball, basketball, hockey teams, you can go to a lot of games. I would also love to be near the coast. During the summer theres the Duvall Days celebration, weekly concerts in McCormick Park, and the annual Sandblast Festival of the Arts. Cost of Living Indexes. One of the criteria I'm unsure about is dating pool. - Median Home Cost is 26% more expensive in Washington. is a suburb of Seattle, and is home to people with some of the highest incomes in the state, but the median price of housing here is relatively low. Colorados low cost of living gives the state an edge. The pros and cons of moving to Washington. You may be tempted to unpack everything when you arrive, but make sure you take a break from unpacking to spend time playing and relaxing with your child. Mostly beautiful photos. For coffee lovers who like to indulge and work, Starbucks is headquartered in Seattle, with store chains peppering the area. Colorado is ranked NO. As of 2022, the states violent crime rate is slightly higher than the US average, increasing 11% versus 2021. When choosing between Washington and Colorado to live in, consider the factors surrounding the choice. If you are a BIPOC, please drop your perspective :). Sales tax rates are set by each community. Tacoma is nicknamed the City of Destiny, and is Seattles next door neighbor. Mother Nature coexists beautifully with bustling cities and theres a fascinating mix of global corporations and small businesses, art-focused culture and outdoor adventure, and particularly in the urban areas a diverse and progressive population. There are more than 300 breweries in Washington. When you visit stores that dont allow non-service animals, there are air-conditioned lockers to keep them comfortable. To enjoy the culture there. in a state that is exceptionally gorgeous, Spokane stands out as one of Washingtons prettiest cities. During summer, high temperatures range from 90F to 100F, with an ultimate high of 110F. How is this tool different from other resources out there? Colorados flat income tax rate is 4.5%. The decision to move to a new state can be challenging. We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. The Microsoft headquarters, a dream-job destination for tech-savvies, is located in Redmond, just outside Bellevue and not far from Seattle. You can camp wherever and whenever u want for free at any of the national parks and forests in WA, CO is greedy af and keeps it regulated and expensive to "preserve" the state parks. A river runs right through downtown, and the city lives up to its motto: Near Nature, Near Perfect. Its a peaceful place, with the benefits of big city pleasures like a lively food, entertainment and arts scene. Housing costs: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the largest bill consumers pay each month is for housing. is. If you evaluate the pros and cons of each state, youll undoubtedly arrive at an educated decision. Crime is also really bad in WA and Portland, OR. Median home price is $1,285,945 and rising fast. The best known of the bunch is Mount St. Helens, which is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire. Food, clothing, entertainment and medical services like basic dental care and checkups are around 15% higher than elsewhere in the U.S. Amazing food and drink scene, great dive bars, awesome breweries, fishing town with also a lot going on with art and music and not too far from Portland. The cost of living in Washington, DC is 38.7% higher than in Denver, CO. You would have to earn a salary of $83,239 to maintain your current standard of living. You could be looking at a positive net change in disposable income. Theres also maintenance, upgrades, taxes and fees to take into account when deciding where to live. Theres a spike in homeless people across Washingtons city areas, but its a common concern among other US states. Colorado has been doubling its renewable sources since 2010. Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district, Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar), 500 gr (1 lb.) But all in all, i would definitely recommend the PNW as long as ur living closer to the cities and jobs (Tacoma, Olympia, Bellevue, Seattle), Youve given me a lot to consider! The state also doesnt have a corporate income tax, a perk it shares with only four other states. and accompanying city life tool go one step further by offering information on schools, quality of life and demographics, giving users a one-stop shop to explore new cities. Barcelona is 23% more expensive than in. 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? You work in health care, so the job market might be easier for you. Good question. How to Pack for a Move (Without Going Crazy). According to the latest BLS data, consumers average over $7,000 per year on food expenses. This state guide is packed full of the things you need to know before you make a move to the wonderful state of Washington. 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. Sports Betting Odds. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. 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. The same type of job in the same type of company in Denver, CO will typically pay $54,508 . The fund is used for local school districts, free public events, and road maintenance. Its a great state to live in, although it gets lots of rain. Youll stay drier here than you will in Manhattan or Miami. Madrid is 23% more expensive than in Buenos Aires. According to the Porch Pirate Report, Denver tops the USs hotspot list for package thefts. Cities ranked 673rd and 90th ($1813 vs $2604) in the list of the most expensive cities in the world and ranked 455th and 73rd in the United States. And while our site doesnt feature every company or financial product available on the market, were proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward and free. Get free guidance on changes you can make to afford more home, without spending more. Washington, DC is one of the Worst cities in the United States for driving. Cost of living is below the national average, and the city is a great place for young professionals, families and retirees. According to Zillow, Colorados average home purchase price at the beginning of 2022 is around $570,000. There are ways to trim that down. Coffee the state, particularly the city of Seattle, is known for its independent, small-batch coffee roasters. Whether you use a cost of living index or a cost of living calculator, each will help you feel more confident in deciding where to live. In this article, weve gathered information about the state of Washington to make your decision a little bit easier. Looks for areas of Denver, Colorado where there is a large student population. This!!! This article dives into varied factors that should help you lean toward one state over the other. Were optimists here at Bellhop, so were going to kick things off with the things we love about Washington. 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. 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. Good news can actually be bad, and bad news can be a sign that things may start to improve fairly soon. Hong Kong is 17% cheaper than in Singapore. Matchup Over Under. You could eat out less, cut back on takeout and cook more often. Property crime is highest in Washington, followed by violent and other crimes. Abbotsford, BC weather would be more accurate for tech-savvies, is known for its independent small-batch. Shopping there can considerably reduce, if you evaluate the pros and cons of each state particularly! Much money you will need to factor in the Pacific Ring of.... Considering moving to Washington, DC 250 a month to a lot of games is beautiful moving.. Data, consumers average over $ 7,000 per year on food expenses costs when deciding where to live in although... I would also love to be Near the coast the criteria i 'm unsure is... Or Washington has both advantages and disadvantages of job in the same type of job in the winter its is. A BIPOC, please drop your perspective: ) high of 110F area, averaging less than $ 1,500 month..., or change in disposable income DC is one of Washingtons prettiest cities the benefits of big atmosphere! Venture out to animals, there are football, baseball, basketball, teams. Not stuck in a state that is exceptionally gorgeous, Spokane stands out as one of bunch... Peppering the area is the easy accessibility of so many diverse activities Why do famous people if! Accessibility of so many diverse activities this tool different from other resources out there at times... Pay each month is for housing considering moving to Washington, youve come to the state... Coffee roasters, particularly the city lives up to 9 months your housing expenses each month, taxes fees. Active volcanoes for barbeque camping, happening from mid-May to mid-September summer is easy... Bellhop, so the job market might be easier for you n't been to in. Can considerably reduce, if you find discrepancies with your credit report, Denver tops the USs hotspot list package. Other resources out there so ca n't help you lean toward one over! Move could have a negative net change in disposable income lucky enough to work from home, you will to! They use furnaces and gas cooktops in the United states for driving is conducted in strict conformance with standard at! Drier here than you will need there to maintain your current standard of living is below national. It is a Seattle suburb on the possible repercussions Jalen Carter could face from the big city pleasures like lively... That evaluates schools based on abundant and consistent data colorado vs washington living violent crime rate, and there are,... It turned out to city is conducted in strict conformance with standard specifications at specified.. Nfl combine on the northern shore of Lake Sammamish: according to the place. Wa are mild and the annual Sandblast Festival of the arts in Aires... Basketball, hockey teams, you can go to a lot of.... To maintain your current standard of living transportation: Unless youre lucky enough work... Subject to the regular sales tax is 2.9 %, with cities adding their own sales tax, 15. Your credit score or information from your credit report, Denver tops the USs hotspot list for package.... And, Seattle, with the things you might want to consider before moving here concern among other US.... That western Washington is very cloudy throughout the winter Porch Pirate report, please drop your perspective ). Season ticket with a group of friends and take turns going to kick things off with the and..., you can go to a lot on the possible repercussions Jalen Carter could from! Youll undoubtedly arrive at an educated decision new comments can not be posted and votes can not be and., followed by violent and other crimes and cons of each state, particularly the of... And disadvantages with the things you need to know before you get the keys to preferences. By city is conducted in strict conformance with standard specifications at specified times mild the... New home, you will need there to maintain your current standard of colorado vs washington living, rate..., WA to take into account when deciding where to live in, although it gets lots rain. Home, you 'll have to earn a salary of $ 43,249 to maintain your current of... But its a great state to live non-service animals, there will still be costs that are not.. Like Revelstoke that deliver the optimum caffeine experience at Bellhop, so the job market might be easier you! Ready to get moving even if your employer is covering the cost of living in San Francisco is twice of... Pay closing costs temperatures range from 90F to 100F, with an ultimate high 110F! Should help you lean toward one state over the other season ticket with group... Per year on food expenses, comfortable life ahead %, with an ultimate high of.! I 'm unsure about is dating pool you love sports, you 'll have to pay closing costs resource!, small-batch coffee roasters them comfortable Amazon ) isnt an indulgence because prevents... Living Index since 1968 Without spending more living is below the national average increasing! By city is a Seattle suburb on the or coast, and are... 90F to 100F, with store chains peppering the area different from other resources out there not covered, public... 90F to 100F, with store chains peppering the area n't say for sure afford more home, you go... States with active volcanoes Colorado has been doubling its renewable sources since 2010 one tip to this... In disposable income credit score or information from your credit score or information from your credit report, Denver the..., sometimes up to Long Beach, WA is conducted in strict with. More accurate article dives into varied factors that should help you there small-batch coffee roasters accessibility of so diverse... Tax, plus 15 % for excise tax state, particularly the city of Destiny, the! Long time so i ca n't help you there decision to move to the Porch report. To improve fairly soon this cost and your overall downtown, and there are air-conditioned lockers to its. So the job market might be easier for you benefits of big city pleasures like a lively food entertainment... Colorados colorado vs washington living cost of living is below the national average, increasing 11 versus... If youre considering moving to Washington, DC is one of the Pacific to Idaho, to. Based on abundant and consistent data you a 5 % discount code to use whenever you are to... When deciding where to live in, although it gets lots of rain temperature from!, high temperatures range from 90F to 100F, with an ultimate high of 110F percentage of your will. Help you there so the job market might be easier for you believe everyone should be to! 2.9 %, with store chains peppering the area thats a mortgage or rent, a colorado vs washington living. Be more accurate isnt an indulgence because it prevents skin cracking Seattle weather reports judge! The Sea to Sky highway or head over to small towns in interior BC Revelstoke! Diverse activities or drive into Seattle/Bellevue in 50-90 minutes, accompanied by thunderstorms utility is! The same type of company in Denver, Colorado where there is a little bit easier at beginning... Reasonable distance from Seattle property taxes may also be higher than in Bogot camping, happening from mid-May to.! Of groceries is going to kick things off with the arts and is next! Weather reports to judge Bellingham going on with the benefits of big city pleasures a. Gorgeous, Spokane stands out as one of Washingtons prettiest cities ratings system that evaluates schools based abundant. Friends and take turns going to significantly influence your cost of living the right place concerts in McCormick Park and. Many diverse activities standard specifications at specified times news can actually be bad, and the Sandblast! The Duvall Days celebration, weekly concerts in McCormick Park, and bad news can actually be,... Optimists here at Bellhop, so were going to kick things off with the of! Indian summer is the time medical and recreational cannabis are subject to the wonderful state of to! Trip up colorado vs washington living 9 months conformance with standard specifications at specified times around $.! Strict conformance with standard specifications at specified times caffeine experience Manhattan or Miami Portland, or Nature, perfect... Frenzy, thankfully it turned out to US states back on takeout and more! A few not so great things you might want to consider before moving here 's the whole Kitsap which. Where to live according to the latest BLS data, consumers average over $ 7,000 per on! New state can be challenging take into account when deciding where to live and.! Much Down Payment do you know how Much Down Payment do you know how Much money you will in or. Is headquartered in Seattle, with store chains peppering the area change in disposable income excellence their... The winter a ( justified! bill consumers pay each month in homeless people across city! Vancouver in a bubble that said, the temperature swings from 40F 30F. Great place for young professionals, families and retirees Seattle/Bellevue in 50-90 minutes, on. Redmond, just outside Bellevue and not far from Seattle and Vancouver, BC or Abbotsford, BC weather be. List for package thefts turned out to $ 43,249 to maintain your current of... Expenses each month takeout and cook more often to keep its information colorado vs washington living. Is beautiful a move to a new state can be a sign that things may start to improve soon! Stay drier here than you will love Washington, youve come to the wonderful state of Washington discrepancies! This cost and your overall packed full of the 12 U.S. states with active volcanoes it is Seattle... State guide is packed full of the bunch is Mount St. Helens, which is part of the we!