Moving to Seattle, WA
Seattle is a stunning Pacific Northwest city nestled between Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains. It's a tech powerhouse — home to Amazon and Microsoft — with a thriving coffee culture, outdoor recreation, and one of the most educated workforces in the country.
Seattle at a glance
- Population: 737,255
- Median rent (2BR): $2,700/month
- Cost of living index: 150 (100 = national average)
- Walk Score: 73/100
- Average high temperature: 58°F
Best neighborhoods in Seattle
- Capitol Hill — Vibrant & LGBTQ+ Friendly, avg $2,800/mo
- Ballard — Scandinavian Heritage & Hip, avg $2,600/mo
- Fremont — Quirky & Creative, avg $2,400/mo
- Bellevue — Suburban Tech Hub, avg $2,900/mo
- Queen Anne — Scenic & Family, avg $2,700/mo
Local moving costs in Seattle
For a 2-bedroom local move, expect roughly $246 for a DIY truck rental and about $1,490 for full-service movers.
Seattle facts
- Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing, and Starbucks all call the Seattle area home
- No state income tax in Washington
- Seattle receives just 37 inches of rain per year — less than New York or Miami
- Pike Place Market has operated since 1907 — one of America's oldest markets
Moving tips for Seattle
- Rainy season is October–April; use waterproof moving materials
- Seattle's hills (like San Francisco) mean expect stair fees
- Summer (July–September) is peak; book movers 8+ weeks in advance
- Many Seattle apartment buildings have elevator time slots for moves
Popular moving routes
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to move to Seattle?
- A local move within Seattle for a 2-bedroom home typically costs about $246 for a DIY truck rental up to $1,490 for full service. Long-distance moves to Seattle vary with the origin distance.
- What is the average rent in Seattle?
- The median rent in Seattle is approximately $2,700 per month for a 2-bedroom. Studios average around $1,890/month.
- What are the best neighborhoods in Seattle?
- Popular neighborhoods in Seattle include Capitol Hill (Vibrant & LGBTQ+ Friendly), Ballard (Scandinavian Heritage & Hip), Fremont (Quirky & Creative).