Best Boston to Seattle Movers and Practical Moving Guide
Get a Quote Now!
Trusted. Licensed. Insured.
Moving from Boston, MA to Seattle, WA marks the start of a thrilling chapter in your life, teeming with new possibilities and adventures. You're transitioning from the historic charm and vibrant sports culture of "Beantown" to the tech-heavy, coffee-loving atmosphere of the "Emerald City," each city offering its own unique flavor and lifestyle. Understanding the pivotal role of having trusted and reliable professional movers for such a long-distance move, we ensure you're matched with the best, leveraging our unbiased ranking algorithm at Great Guys Moving to find top-tier movers who make your transition seamless and worry-free.
Best Boston to Seattle Moving Companies
| Company Name | Rating  | BBB Rating | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stairhopper Movers | 9.66 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Centaur Moving | 9.60 | NR | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Intelligent labor & Moving | 9.51 | A+ | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| John Volken Academy Movers | 9.34 | NR | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| People Movers | 9.16 | NR | Authorized For Property | Contact |
(800) 787-5428
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Seattle to Boston guide.
5 Best Boston to Seattle Moving Companies
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
About Stairhopper Movers
Since 2001, Stairhopper Movers has operated as a Boston-based local moving company that performs local and long-distance residential and com...Read More >>
Services
- Local moves
- Long distance moves
- Commercial moves
This listing has been claimed by Centaur MovingAbout Centaur Moving
Centaur Moving, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is a fully licensed and insured moving company with services for local and nationwide mov...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Commercial Relocations
About Intelligent labor & Moving
Established in 2005, Intelligent Labor & Moving is a moving and storage company serving residential and corporate clients in the communi...Read More >>
Services
- Local moving services
- Long-distance and interstate moving services
- Cheap moving rates with two or three movers
About John Volken Academy Movers
John Volken Academy Movers is a not-for-profit moving company that helps people move across Western and Eastern Washington. This local busin...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving
- Commercial Moving
- Residential Moving
About People Movers
People Movers is a fully licensed moving company in Bothell, WA. It has relocated hundreds of happy customers in Greater Seattle since it op...Read More >>
Services
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
- Cross-country moving
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Boston vs. Seattle Neighborhood Comparison
Considering a move can feel overwhelming, especially when you're navigating the vast landscapes of urban living. This guide is designed to help ease the transition by comparing local neighborhoods between Boston, MA & Seattle, WA . By identifying the closest counterparts in Seattle to your favorite Boston neighborhoods, we aim to make the unfamiliar, familiar.
| Boston | Seattle | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Beacon Hill | Queen Anne | Historic homes, upscale |
| Back Bay | Capitol Hill | Trendy, full of shops |
| North End | Ballard | Strong sense of community, foodie haven |
| South End | Fremont | Artsy, diverse nightlife |
| Jamaica Plain | Greenwood | Family-friendly, somewhat bohemian |
| South Boston | West Seattle | Waterfront views, tight-knit |
| Fenway-Kenmore | University District | Youthful, vibrant academic life |
| Charlestown | Magnolia | Quiet, scenic, with historic elements |
| Seaport District | South Lake Union | Modern, tech hub |
| Dorchester | Columbia City | Diverse, community-centric |
For those charmed by Beacon Hill's historic cobblestone streets and upscale atmosphere, Queen Anne's grandiose homes and scenic views over Seattle will feel like a transcontinental echo of home. On the flip side, if the trendy and bustling nature of Back Bay appealed to you, with spots like Newbury Street, you'll find Seattle's Capitol Hill—known for its vibrant nightlife and the iconic Pike Place Market—a fitting counterpart. South Boston's strong sense of community and seaside allure is mirrored in West Seattle, where Alki Beach provides a similarly sociable and scenic waterfront lifestyle. And for the academia and sports enthusiasts drawn to Fenway-Kenmore by the likes of Fenway Park, the University District's youthful vibrancy alongside the University of Washington will offer a familiar blend of education and excitement.
Things to Do in Seattle
Visit the Space Needle for iconic city views.- Explore Pike Place Market's unique shops.
- Relax at Green Lake Park.
- Discover art at Seattle Art Museum.
- Enjoy a ferry ride to Bainbridge Island.
- Watch a Mariners baseball game at T-Mobile Park.
- Hike in Mount Rainier National Park.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Boston to Seattle
Moving from one city to another is a decision that comes with both excitement and apprehension. Through the forthcoming comparison, we aim to reflect realistically on the benefits and drawbacks of relocating from Boston, MA to Seattle, WA , providing a balanced view that will help in making an informed decision. Here, we'll delve into the contrasts between both cities, highlighting aspects related to lifestyle, climate, and culture.
Boston, MA- Higher living costs
- Snowy winters
- Historic sports culture
- Dense city layout
- Less tech job opps
Seattle, WA- More affordable housing
- Milder winters
- Emerging sports scene
- More green spaces
- Booming tech industry
Seattle, WA- Younger city
- Smaller cultural venues
- More niche food scene
- Relies more on cars
- Fewer universities
Boston, MA- Wealth of history
- Rich cultural scene
- Diverse cuisine
- Extensive public transit
- Collegiate atmosphere
Comparing Boston and Seattle reveals significant variations in climate, culture, and job opportunities. For instance, moving to Seattle brings you closer to the burgeoning tech scene, with giants like Microsoft and Amazon offering vast opportunities. Though you might miss Boston's rich historical tapestry and the vibrant collegiate vibe provided by institutions like Harvard and MIT, Seattle counters with its laid-back lifestyle, abundant green spaces like Discovery Park, and innovative dining options in areas such as Capitol Hill. The transition from Boston's dense and historic ambiance to Seattle's tech-savvy and nature-oriented environment is a journey of discovery, offering fresh experiences in both professional growth and personal fulfillment.
Boston vs. Seattle Food Guide
Food plays a pivotal role in defining the local culture and living experience of an area. In this guide, we're going to delve into a comparison of the local cuisine between Boston & Seattle, providing you with insights into what culinary delights await you in your new home. This will enable you to better assimiliate and indulge in the rich food scenes of these vibrant cities.
| Boston | Seattle | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Clam Chowder | Salmon |
| Most popular meat dish | Lobster Roll | Teriyaki |
| Most popular street food item | Cannoli | Hot Dogs |
| Most popular vegan food | Quinoa Salad | Tempeh Bowl |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
When it comes to the iconic local food items, Boston’s Clam Chowder and Seattle’s Salmon encapsulate the essence of each city's culinary culture. If you're moving to Seattle, the Pike Place Market is a hub for food lovers, offering a taste of the city's most renowned dishes, like the famed Pike Place Chowder. The city's health-conscious vibe is reflected in its high rating for fitness and vegan options, ensuring that you’ll find an abundance of healthy dining choices. Seattle's food truck scene is notably vibrant, particularly in neighborhoods like Capitol Hill and South Lake Union, offering a variety of cuisines that cater to every palate.
Boston vs. Seattle Restaurant Comparison
When relocating, finding those special dining spots in your new city can truly make it feel like home. This restaurant comparison from Boston to Seattle is designed to help transplants discover their next go-to eateries by matching them with their favorite Boston staples. Let this guide be your culinary compass as you embark on your new adventure.
| Boston | Seattle | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Oleana | Canlis | Offers a fine dining experience with inventive dishes similar to Oleana’s upscale, Mediterranean-influenced cuisine. |
| Neptune Oyster | The Walrus and the Carpenter | Both celebrate seafood with a focus on local and fresh offerings in a cozy yet sophisticated setting. |
| Toro | Bar Cotto | A haven for Spanish tapas lovers, offering a similar ambiance and extensive charcuterie options as Toro. |
| Mike’s Pastry | Piroshky Piroshky | While it specializes in Russian pastries, the dedication to quality and community mirrors that of Mike’s Pastry. |
| Giacomo's Ristorante | Il Terrazzo Carmine | Offers a comparable classic Italian dining experience with a focus on traditional dishes and an inviting atmosphere. |
| Mamma Maria | Altura | Presents a fine dining take on Italian cuisine that echoes Mamma Maria’s dedication to regional specialties and refined ambiance. |
| Santarpio's Pizza | Serious Pie | Both pizzerias are revered for their distinctive and delicious takes on traditional and innovative pizzas. |
| Uni | Momiji | A spot for exquisite Japanese cuisine offering a similar emphasis on fresh sushi and inventive dishes as Uni. |
| Regina Pizzeria | Delancey | Offers artisanal pizzas that rival Regina’s legendary status among pizza aficionados, baked in wood-fired ovens for that perfect crust. |
| Tatte Bakery & Café | Bakery Nouveau | Like Tatte, it captures the heart of its neighborhood with exceptional baked goods, a warm atmosphere, and a loyal local following. |
Discovering your new favorite dining spots is part of the adventure when moving to a new city. For example, Canlis and Oleana both provide a unique fine dining experience, albeit with different regional flairs—Mediterranean in Boston and Pacific Northwest in Seattle. The attention to fresh, local ingredients speaks to both restaurants' commitment to quality. If it's the cozy charm and the detailed attention to seafood that you loved about Neptune Oyster in Boston, you'll find a similar ethos at The Walrus and the Carpenter in Seattle. Both locales share a passion for showcasing the best of what the sea has to offer, making either an ideal choice for a memorable dining experience. For those who relish in the discovery of unique and delightful pastries, Piroshky Piroshky offers a variety of baked goods that promise to be as satisfying and community-centric as Mike’s Pastry. Through such parallel culinary gems, your transition from Boston to Seattle can include the exciting journey of discovering new favorites while reminiscing over cherished classics.
Ready to start your move?
Boston vs. Seattle Real Estate & Living Facts
When considering a move, comparing the real estate between your current and future home is crucial. Real estate is a key part of this transition, making it essential to understand how Boston and Seattle stack up in terms of housing , from costs to lifestyle. This comparison aims to highlight those differences and similarities.
| Comparison | Boston | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Colonial, Victorian | Modern, Craftsman |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Historic charm, Access to education | Water views, Eco-friendly features |
Boston and Seattle both offer vibrant urban living with their unique charms and challenges. Boston, known for its historic Colonial and Victorian homes, scores higher in walkability, reflecting its dense, compact urban layout conducive to strolling through historic neighborhoods. Seattle, with its penchant for Modern and Craftsman architecture, prioritizes green living and bikeability, offering a slightly different urban experience. While the median home price in Seattle is notably higher, it offers lower median monthly rent and emphasizes outdoor activities and eco-friendly living. These differences reflect the distinct character and priorities of each city, highlighting the importance of aligning your lifestyle preferences with your new locale.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Seattle, WA
1. Ballard: With its numerous off-leash dog parks, Ballard is ideal for your furry friends to run free and socialize.
2. Green Lake: Known for the pet-friendly Green Lake Park, you and your pet will enjoy the scenic 2.8-mile trail and ample green space for play.
3. Queen Anne: This neighborhood is packed with pet-friendly cafes and shops, plus it offers easy access to Kinnear Park's off-leash area, making it a perfect spot for pet owners.
Boston vs. Seattle Weather Considerations
When planning a move from Boston, MA to Seattle, WA, understanding the weather comparison between these two cities is crucial for adapting to your new home. From average temperatures and sunshine days to air quality and seasonal allergies, this guide helps you anticipate the changes and prepare accordingly. Boston and Seattle each offer distinct climatic experiences, shaping how you'll live and enjoy the outdoors in your new city.
Boston, MA
Seattle, WA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Boston, MA
Seattle, WA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Boston, MA
Seattle, WA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Boston, MA
Seattle, WA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Boston | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Snowstorms, Nor'easters | Earthquakes, Volcanoes |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
While both cities share similarities like their average annual UV index and primary seasonal allergies, there are significant differences in their weather patterns. For example, Boston experiences both hotter summers and colder winters compared to Seattle's milder climate. Additionally, Bostonians are no strangers to snow with an average annual snowfall of 48 inches, whereas Seattle sees much less, about 5 inches per year. Seattle, however, experiences more days of cloud cover which contributes to its fewer days of sunshine and slightly higher average humidity. Understanding these nuances will help you transition smoothly to your new environment in Seattle.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Boston to Seattle
When moving from Boston, MA to Seattle, WA, understanding the financial aspects is crucial. This comparison will help you gauge the monetary changes and prepare accordingly.
| Comparison | Boston | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $79,283 | $110,781 |
| Cost of Living Index | 132.5 | 121.4 |
| State Income Tax | 5 | 0 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 1.13 | 0.99 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 6.25 | 10.1 |
| Top 3 Industries | Education, Health Services, Finance | Technology, Aerospace, Retail |
| Affluence | High | Very High |
| Poverty | Medium | Low |
| Homelessness | Significant | High |
Both Boston and Seattle boast robust economies, but each city has its unique financial ecosystem. The average household income is higher in Seattle, which could be attractive, but the city also carries a higher cost of living index. Seattle's lack of state income tax is a significant advantage for many, yet its higher sales tax and cost of living balance this benefit. The dominance of technology and aerospace industries in Seattle compared to Boston's focus on education, health services, and finance indicates a differing job market landscape. Understanding these nuances is vital for making informed decisions about relocation.
Boston vs. Seattle Political & Religious Comparison
Moving across the country can be a significant transition, not just in terms of geography but also in the community you'll join. This quick comparison provides a glance at the political and religious makeup between Boston & Seattle , offering insights into the culture shift you might experience.
| Boston | Seattle | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Liberal/Democratic | Liberal/Democratic |
| Local Politics | Focus on education and healthcare | Emphasizes environmental policies and social justice |
| Religion | Primarily Christian, with significant Catholic community | More secular, with a range of beliefs including Buddhism and non-religious groups |
While both Boston and Seattle are known for their liberal political leanings, you'll find differences in their local priorities. Boston places a significant emphasis on healthcare and education, reflecting its rich history of academic excellence and medical innovation. On the other side, Seattle is renowned for its commitment to environmental sustainability and social justice, attributes that align with the city's progressive values. As for religious makeup, Boston's historical roots give it a more pronounced Christian and especially Catholic presence, whereas Seattle's religious landscape is more diverse, with a notable number of secular and non-traditional beliefs.
Boston vs. Seattle Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Boston, MA to Seattle, WA? This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Boston & Seattle is designed to help you better understand what the daily commute and traffic is like in these two vibrant cities.
| Comparison | Boston | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 30 | 28 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Yes, with some planning | Yes, more easily in city centers |
Both Boston and Seattle offer a variety of transportation options, but the nuances in their commute times, traffic congestion, and public transit availability can affect your daily life significantly. In Boston, the extensive public transit network, known as the MBTA, including subways, buses, and ferries, makes it feasible to live without a car, though some planning is needed to navigate the system efficiently. Seattle, while slightly less congested in terms of traffic, also boasts a comprehensive public transportation system, including buses, light rail, and ferries, facilitating an easier car-free lifestyle, especially within the city center. Understanding these differences can help you prepare for a smoother transition and set realistic expectations for your new city life.
Popular Moving Routes
Nearby Moving Routes
