10 Pros and Cons of Living in Washington

The only state named after a US President, Washington is home to just over 7.7 million residents. And it’s no surprise that so many people call this place home due to its unique culture, delicious food, and access to nature. There are many different cities you can choose from in the Evergreen State. So whether you’re looking at homes for sale in Seattle or just browsing apartments for rent in Spokane, you’ll be sure to find a place to call home. If you’re considering moving to the Pacific Northwest, we broke down some pros and cons of living in Washington. Keep reading to see what makes Washington a good place to live.

Interested in moving to Washington? Check out:
Homes for sale in Washington | Apartments for rent in Washington | Houses for rent in Washington

Quick Facts about Washington

Population	7,705,281
Median home sale price	$629,600
Average rent in Washington	$1,731
Largest cities in Washington	Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma

Is Washington State a good place to live?

Yes, overall many people say that Washington State is a great place to live. There is something for everyone here, with a lifestyle that varies greatly depending on where you are. The Seattle metro area is a major draw, particularly for those in tech, healthcare, and aerospace, with companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Boeing driving the local economy. Outside of the city, you’ll find quieter towns, especially east of the Cascades, where the pace is slower, the climate is drier, and the cost of living is more affordable. Washington doesn’t have a state income tax, which benefits many residents, but this is balanced by high sales tax and housing costs – especially in King County.

Western Washington is lush and green but comes with long, gray winters, while eastern Washington offers more sun, open spaces, and agricultural communities. Life in Washington often means balancing the outdoors with urban convenience – residents can hike a forest trail or kayak in Puget Sound, then catch a concert or enjoy a meal downtown all in one day. If you’re into fresh seafood, unbeatable coffee, and being surrounded by the ocean and mountains, Washington has a lot to offer. However, if you’re looking for year-round sunshine and affordable living near major cities, it might not be the right choice for you.

1. Pro: Residents don’t pay state income tax in Washington

One of the biggest financial perks of living in Washington is that there’s no state income tax (one of only 9 states that doesn’t have a state income tax). Whether you’re salaried, self-employed, or drawing retirement income, you won’t see a cut taken out by the state. This can make a noticeable difference in take-home pay, especially for high earners or those relocating from states with steep income tax rates. 

2. Con: Traffic congestion near Seattle can be tough

Traffic on the west side of the state tends to be worse compared to the east side. During rush hour, SeaTac, Joint Base Lewis Mccord, and surrounding suburban areas of downtown Seattle can be difficult to navigate due to traffic. To help alleviate the situation, Washington is working on expanding the light rail system to service various Seattle suburbs including Mountlake Terrace and Lynnwood.

3. Pro: Easy access to nature year-round

Living in Washington means the outdoors are always within reach. The state is home to three stunning national parks – Olympic, Mount Rainier, and North Cascades – along with dozens of scenic state parks like Deception Pass and Palouse Falls. Whether you’re into hiking, camping, or simply soaking up the views, there’s no shortage of places to explore. In the summer, residents take full advantage of the water. You can kayak or paddleboard on Lake Union, swim in Lake Washington, or spend the weekend boating on Lake Chelan or the Columbia River. When winter rolls around, it’s all about the slopes – popular ski spots include Crystal Mountain, Stevens Pass, Mt. Baker, and Mission Ridge.

Cycling is big here too, with trails like the Burke-Gilman, Centennial, and Green Lake paths offering scenic rides through urban and rural areas. And if you’re not into hiking or biking, hopping on a ferry across Puget Sound for mountain and water views never gets old.

4. Con: Home prices are high

Housing in Washington doesn’t come cheap. The median home sale price sits at $629,600 – nearly $200,000 higher than the national median of $431,000. This sharp difference is especially noticeable in high-demand areas like Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, and Redmond, where tech-driven demand has pushed prices well above state averages. While these numbers reflect Washington’s strong economy and job market, they can make it difficult for first-time buyers or those relocating on a tighter budget. That said, more affordable options exist outside of major cities. If you’re moving on a budget, it’s worth exploring communities in Eastern Washington or smaller towns where housing costs are more manageable.

5. Pro: Washington has a strong sports base

If you’re a sports fan, Washington delivers. Seattle is home to major league teams like the Seahawks (NFL), Mariners (MLB), Kraken (NHL), and Sounders FC (MLS), with a die-hard fan base that shows up rain or shine. The city’s energy on game days, especially during Seahawks season, is something locals take pride in.

Beyond the pros, college sports also run deep. The University of Washington Huskies and Washington State Cougars have loyal followings, especially during football season. And with the WNBA’s Seattle Storm and OL Reign in the NWSL, women’s sports also have a strong presence.

Whether you’re cheering in a packed stadium, watching from a local bar, or catching a game in the park, the sports culture here is loud, proud, and a big part of community life.

6. Con: The weather is gloomy and rainy for many months of the year

The Evergreen State has a reputation for being cloudy and rainy. However, that’s not all true. Summers on the west side of Washington tend to be fresh and dry while summers on the east side tend to be warmer. While summers can be pleasant, if you’re not a fan of the cold and wet, the several months of winter may not be for you. Beginning in October, winters tend to be rainy and cloudy making this a con for many living in Washington.

7. Pro: The job market in Washington is booming

Another pro of living in Washington is the ample job opportunities – Washington has one of the strongest job markets in the country, especially in industries like tech, aerospace, healthcare, and clean energy. The Seattle metro area in particular has become a hub for innovation, drawing talent from across the country. Many companies have regional and national offices in Washington, including:

• Amazon
• Boeing
• Alaska Airlines
• Costco
• Microsoft
• Nordstrom
• Expedia Group
• Starbucks
• Weyerhauser 
• Paccar
• Expeditors International

Outside of tech and healthcare, the state also offers opportunities in agriculture, manufacturing, education, and tourism – especially in central and eastern Washington. Whether you’re a software engineer, nurse, educator, or tradesperson, there’s a good chance you’ll find work that pays well and offers room to grow.

8. Con: The sales tax is high

Washington may not have a state income tax, but it makes up for it with one of the highest sales tax rates in the country. The base state rate is 6.5%, but when you factor in local and city taxes, the total can climb to over 10% in some areas, like Seattle, Bellevue, and Tacoma. This means you’ll pay more on everyday purchases, from groceries (non-exempt items) and gas to clothes and dining out.

9. Pro: The food and drink options are endless 

Washington is a haven for food lovers. Whether you’re into fresh seafood, farm-to-table fare, global cuisine, or craft coffee, you’ll find no shortage of options here. The state’s access to the Pacific Ocean, fertile farmland, and thriving local markets means ingredients are fresh and often locally sourced. Seattle is known for its sushi, oysters, and iconic Pike Place Market, while smaller cities like Bellingham and Spokane have growing culinary scenes of their own.

On the drinks side, Washington is the second-largest wine-producing state in the country, with more than 1,000 wineries and vineyards spread across regions like Walla Walla and the Columbia Valley. It’s also a leader in craft beer and, of course, coffee – home to Starbucks and a deep bench of independent roasters. Whether you’re grabbing a latte, a local IPA, or a glass of Syrah, the options are plentiful.

10. Con: Threat of natural disasters

Washington sees its fair share of natural disasters ranging from wildfires, landslides, earthquakes, and more. The Evergreen State tends to have wildfires during the summer months around Central Washington and the Cascade Range. In addition, Washington’s unique topography makes certain areas prone to landslides. Earthquakes can also occur in Washington as it falls on three major fault lines.