colorado vs washington living
How to Get Preapproved for a Mortgage and Why It Matters. And it adds up. Living in Colorado or Washington has both advantages and disadvantages. You could be looking at a positive net change in disposable income. View future changes in the minimum wage in your location by visiting Minimum Wage Values in Colorado. Monthly bus pass costs were obtained from the individual websites of the public transit system for each city. This cost includes the following: Washington doesnt levy a personal income tax. Trip up to Whistler along the Sea to Sky highway or head over to small towns in interior bc like Revelstoke. All financial products, shopping products and services are presented without warranty. For more information, please see our Quality of life data (gyms, bars and beauty salons per 1,000 residents) were collected from the Yellow Pages. . The cost of living in Washington is 13% higher than the national average, and housing is 22% higher than the national average. Plus youd have Mt Baker in your back yard :). Shopping there can considerably reduce, If you love sports, you will love Washington, DC! Medical and recreational cannabis are subject to the regular sales tax, plus 15% and 15% for excise tax. (5 miles), Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands), Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes), Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city, Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub, 2 tickets to the theater (best available seats), Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert, 1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt. NerdWallets cost of living calculator is powered by data from The Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). Property taxes may also be higher than in states that collect income tax. A low rate can save you hundreds each year. It is based on 831 prices entered by 79 different people. Its the volcano most likely to erupt of the five active volcanoes in the state, but youll learn to keep a wary eye on all of them when you move here. Since he has 2 children, he needs to have a large apartment. Just like with food costs, you can curb how much you spend on entertainment by altering your behavior. Coloradans are more concerned about package theft, a crime rate of 49% versus the US average of 45%. I am an lcsw (clinical therapist) and statistically WA has better opportunities and pays better. The fund is used for local school districts, free public events, and road maintenance. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. Do you know how much money you will need there to maintain your current standard of living? Volcanoes Washington is one of the 12 U.S. states with active volcanoes. The expenses that factor into cost of living can include housing affordability, transportation expenses, food prices and entertainment costs. I'd warn about how expensive it can be to live here, but you're from Chicago. Washington is truly a gem in the Pacific Northwest and not just for its breathtaking natural beauty. Its a great place to do business and was ranked by Forbes for being one of the top cities in the United States for young professionals. Get free guidance on changes you can make to afford more home, without spending more. Washington States Economy, Job Market, and Growth, The Best Neighborhoods for Families in Portland (Updated for 2023), The Best Suburbs in Atlanta (A 2023 Guide), Up-and-Coming Neighborhoods in Portland (Updated for 2023), The Best Neighborhoods in Portland (A 2022 Guide), Why Moving is So Stressful (And 3 Things You Can Do About It). It ferries about 24 million passengers (tourists and workers) yearly across Puget Sound and the Salish Sea. - Overall, Washington, District of Columbia is 17.8% more expensive than Denver, Colorado. The ocean has always attracted me. As of 2022, the states violent crime rate is slightly higher than the US average, increasing 11% versus 2021. Proximity to employment is an important consideration because it can drastically impact your cost of living. Avenue Art District to start your explorations. Inflation and the threat of a recession is creating uncertainly here, as it is across the country. Colorado - Sun, hiking, biking, long easy multi pitch. While many of these quakes are too minor to feel, Washington experienced a major one in 2001. Just like with food costs, you can curb how much you spend on entertainment by altering your behavior. Can drive into trendy areas of Tacoma in 20 minutes. Among the top destinations are the wineries in Columbia Gorge. Outlying communities/towns can be very different in feel from Bellingham and even each other. from the Council for Community and Economic Research. Detailed prices in Washington D.C. >>. NFL Odds & Betting Lines; NBA Odds & Betting Lines; College Football Odds & Betting Lines; College Basketball Odds & Betting . Transportation: Unless youre lucky enough to work from home, you will need to factor in transportation costs when deciding where to live. Cost of Living Indexes. Denver housing costs are 37.3% less expensive than Seattle housing costs. Colorados flat income tax rate is 4.5%. Idaho solidifies its ranking as a top retirement state by offering many tax breaks for seniors. 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. Despite spending 35 years in South Florida, my family moves every 1-2 years. If you evaluate the pros and cons of each state, youll undoubtedly arrive at an educated decision. WA and CO are by no means the most diverse states; however, we have found that the people in both states are very friendly and welcoming. - Median Home Cost is 37% cheaper in Denver. Americans spend nearly the same amount each year on entertainment as they do on health insurance, according to the BLS. Property taxes may also be higher than in states that collect income tax. You should evaluate the options based on your usage and preferences and pick the best fit for your needs. 1-11. o18-110. Its a great state to live in, although it gets lots of rain. 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. Gig Harbor is a nice place, about 3hrs from Portland though. UnlikeFlorida and California, which are close to the coastlines, Tennessee is a landlocked state, so you will only find a few beaches, especially in Nashville. But its not all forests, gray days, incessant drizzle and the ocean though youll find that landscape mostly in Western Washington. You have a much higher chance of being a victim to property crime in WA than u will in CO. WA is much more culturally, racially, and socially diverse than CO, if ur wanting to live in a state with 90% white people who like bluegrass music, CO is def for u. As a result, transportation cost is lower, and the need for out-of-state deliveries is reduced. Utility expense is average in Colorado, less than $250 a month. Pre-qualified offers are not binding. 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? Colorados top 3 most popular cities with house prices stacking up are Denver, Colorado Springs, and Boulder. That said, the skies tend to be gray from October through May. Housing prices are insane. Consumer Prices Including Rent in Washington, DC are 11.9% higher than in Denver, CO: Rent Prices in Washington, DC are 26.9% higher than in Denver, CO: Restaurant Prices in Washington, DC are 15.1% higher than in Denver, CO: Groceries Prices in Washington, DC are 3.3% higher than in Denver, CO: Local Purchasing Power in Washington, DC is 6.3% . The economy is primarily focused on technology development and services, as well as high tech manufacturing. I grew up in Denver and have lived in the Northwest for twenty years. I am also interested in Vancouver since it is so close to Portland. Welcome to Sunlight Living - your resource for choosing a retirement community and preparing for a happy, comfortable life ahead. Denver, Colorado is considered to have a very good public transport system. Gunna list a few things, lived in CO for 7 years and moved to WA last summer. Colorado ranks 6th among the largest natural gas-producing states and in the top 5 across the US. The 20-port destinations include British Columbia and, Seattle, Tacoma. All financial products, shopping products and services are presented without warranty. Barcelona is 23% more expensive than in. You should factor this commuting time into your overall, View Minimum Wage Values in Denver and Washington Compared with the Cost of Living. Pre-qualified offers are not binding. As of now, I am leaning towards Washington. High premiums are brought by increased risks of falling rocks when driving near mountains and hail storms. But even then, the price of groceries is going to significantly influence your cost of living. I live in Kitsap County and love it here. During the summer theres the Duvall Days celebration, weekly concerts in McCormick Park, and the annual Sandblast Festival of the Arts. , a nationwide ratings system that evaluates schools based on performance on state achievement tests. Pricing for various packages can vary a lot even in the same location. Drought is rare in the state, but July can peak at 90 degrees. Walkability and public transit scores were obtained from, Monthly bus pass costs were obtained from the individual websites of the public transit system for each city. Highlights. - Median Home Cost is the biggest factor in the cost of living difference. This article dives into varied factors that should help you lean toward one state over the other. For others, it involves driving your car, and that means factoring in car repairs, gas, tolls and parking. Its 1980 eruption caused 57 deaths and destroyed 250 homes, as well as numerous roads, bridges and railways. The state actively promotes solar panels, composting, plastic reduction, recycling, and consignment shopping. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. How to Pack for a Move (Without Going Crazy). The Microsoft headquarters, a dream-job destination for tech-savvies, is located in Redmond, just outside Bellevue and not far from Seattle. There's the whole Kitsap County which seems perfect for you. Here's how to know how much you really need. The pros and cons of moving to Washington. Its elevated topography (10,000 feet above sea level) necessitates residents to drink often to avoid dehydration. Looks for areas of Denver, Colorado where there is a large student population. 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! But utilities are 10% lower. Moving Company Costs Explained. 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. Denver, CO. New city. A cost that typically occurs is that your existing furniture and accessories are either too large, too small, or not appropriate for your new home. See Seattle's complete City Life page. Since you were considering Vancouver, WA I'd recommend checking out Kelso/Longview area as well - much smaller, but also less $, on the Columbia river and closer to the coast. Are you moving to Washington D.C.? 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. Looks like this move could have a negative net change in disposable income. Property and gas taxes are also among the highest in the US. And btw i love CO, one of the best states to live in America by far. NerdWallet Compare, Inc. NMLS ID# 1617539, NMLS Consumer Access|Licenses and Disclosures, California: California Finance Lender loans arranged pursuant to Department of Financial Protection and Innovation Finance Lenders License #60DBO-74812, Property and Casualty insurance services offered through NerdWallet Insurance Services, Inc. (CA resident license no. We are South Asian and appreciate that Western WA has a larger South Asian community. This basically sums it up. Our partners compensate us. Residents of Colorado actively seek the outdoors to stay active, from food and exercise to hobbies and therapy. According to the BLS, transportation is the second-largest expense consumers have.For some, these costs include taking public transportation. Towels, soap, a few basic kitchen utensils and food items like crackers, tea, juice, will make your new location functional as soon as you arrive and fell more like home. The ocean is nearby, the mountains are very accessible, and we have the best mountain. Also close drive to a lot on the OR coast, and easy hop up to Long Beach, WA. Good question. At Bellhop, our job is to help make your move to Washington state easy and inexpensive, whether youre living on the other side of the country or are making a local move. Archived post. Sales tax rates are set by each community. One of the criteria I'm unsure about is dating pool. If you want to be by the ocean, the Olympic Peninsula is gorgeous. You could eat out less, cut back on takeout and cook more often. Mortgage preapproval is the smartest hack to homebuying and among the most misunderstood. Here's what lenders want before they'll preapprove you for a home loan. Click here to customize. frenzy, thankfully it turned out to be just a cloud formation. Mercer Island sits in the middle of Lake Washington between Seattle and Bellevue, and is a little slice of heaven that comes at a hellish price tag. According to Zillow, Colorados average home purchase price at the beginning of 2022 is around $570,000. The mountains are incredible. Idaho. 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. If the weather is bad, commute time can double! Port Townsend nearby is more expensive but has a lot going on with the arts and is a little bit closer to Seattle. In Seattle, tasting new craft beer is fun and easy. Sports tickets can increase your, The average cost of internet access in the U.S. is $66.20 per month. will blow you away. 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. Amenities in some places are atrocious (some areas have no major grocery stores within a reasonable distance). The cost of living in Denver, CO is -27.9% lower than in Washington, DC. Based on Individual income taxes (which you will pay on earnings), Sales taxes (pay for your purchases), property taxes (on your home or indirectly on your rent), unemployment insurance taxes (from your income), and general business taxes (impacting employers ability to offer jobs and good pay), in Washington, the overall tax climate compared to the rest of the country is the fifth higest. And since groceries are taxable, Idaho gives residents an annual credit to offset the fees (the credit amount is higher for seniors over 65). New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Pricing for various packages can vary a lot even in the same location. All 10 FBS commissioners are unanimous in their support for three proposed rules changes that aim to shorten the length of college football games, ACC commissioner Jim Phillips told ESPN. Agreed, Bellingham can't really handle much more influx of new folks. Cost of living is also tied to income, as salary levels in a geographic area are measured against these 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. 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. Employers in Washington, DC typically pay 11.8% more than employeers in Colorado Springs, CO. to NorCal, from the Pacific to Idaho, welcome to the Pacific Northwest. Before you get the keys to your new home, you'll have to pay closing costs. Health related expenses are 4.9% less in Denver. The winter season has a temperature range of 10F to 20F, but it can drop to 0F. Washingtons Indian summer is the time for barbeque camping, happening from mid-May to mid-September. Price collection by city is conducted in strict conformance with standard specifications at specified times. Price collection by city is conducted in strict conformance with standard specifications at specified times. Since groceries are an essential part of you, If you love sports, you will love Denver, CO! Washington, DC is ranked number 90 out of 100 major cities. Whether thats a mortgage or rent, a large percentage of your salary will go toward your housing expenses each month. link to 10 Best Beaches Near Nashville, TN, You Should Visit Now! 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. CO really does get 300 days of sumshine a year, itll be 40 degrees and rainy in WA and itll be bitter and cold af, while its 20 degrees and sunny in CO and its dry climate so it feels warm. Check out some of the communities in the sound - Port Orchard, Poulsbo are both nice, though Poulsbo is getting pretty pricey. In 2015, Washington trimmed four-year-college costs by 15 to 20%. In this state guide, well cover everything from the stunning landscape that makes Washington so lovely, the booming economy that is beginning to give the rest of the nation some Silicon Valley deja vu and a few cities that are worth considering if you decide to actually make a jump here. Demographics data (including population, age, ethnicity, education and gender breakdown) were compiled from the, Quality of life data (gyms, bars and beauty salons per 1,000 residents) were collected from the Yellow Pages. Sometimes you can get discount tickets on line. City of Destiny, and is Seattles next door neighbor. That said, the skies tend to be gray from October through May. I voted Northwest because Im biased but it puts you closer to other cool areas you can venture out to. No state income tax Washington state does not have a personal or corporate income tax. Were optimists here at Bellhop, so were going to kick things off with the things we love about Washington. This means that the time and ease of your driving times will impact your, In Denver, CO, the average commute time is about 35.21 minutes. Denver, CO. Seattle, WA. Youll stay drier here than you will in Manhattan or Miami. Theres also maintenance, upgrades, taxes and fees to take into account when deciding where to live. The best known of the bunch is Mount St. Helens, which is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire. 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.) Summer 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. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. And when youre ready to go, well be happy to help. But utilities are 10% lower. More crimes happen in central Washington, particularly the retail areas, while the south has fewer crime instances. How is this tool different from other resources out there? Take the ferry from Seattle to Victoria, British Columbia. The following chart below is the median household income by state. This article dives into varied factors that should help you lean toward one state over the other. IDK if it matters to you, but the reason I'd choose Washington is because of the ocean. to take with them during the transition. Core cost of living data is fromThe Cost of Living Index - COLIfrom the Council for Community and Economic Research. On the con side of things - Bellingham/Whatcom County is growing too fast with a not very well outlined plan for controlling urban sprawl. We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. You are in luck! Its the 21st most populated state in the US. Depending on business type, the rate ranges from less than .5% to over 1%. Washington. You may find that after you move, you will need to purchase many new items for the new location, for example, window coverings, rugs, lighting, and outdoor gear. Washington state does not have a personal or corporate income tax. Thinking about moving to another city? However, Washingtons sales tax of 6.5% is higher than many US states. Beyond that, the citys devotion to festivals is a big draw for many. If you want an idea of Bellingham weather, Vancouver, BC or Abbotsford, BC weather would be more accurate. in a state that is exceptionally gorgeous, Spokane stands out as one of Washingtons prettiest cities. Whoever designed the roadways in the western part of the state (Seattle-Tacoma, were looking at you) seems to have a grudge against drivers. Our Premium Cost of Living Calculator includes Health Indexes, Local Prices for Insurance Premiums, Common Surgery and Medical Procedures in Retirement and other must-know details. 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. 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. If you are a BIPOC, please drop your perspective :). Sea to Sky highway or head over to small towns in interior BC like Revelstoke Western WA has better and... For seniors city pleasures like a lively food, entertainment and arts scene weather would be more.! Technology colorado vs washington living and services, as well as numerous roads, bridges and.. Each other posted and votes can not be cast head over to small towns in interior BC like Revelstoke your... It Matters to you, but you 're from Chicago Im biased it! Recycling, and consignment shopping nice, though Poulsbo is getting pretty pricey negative net change in income. Is getting pretty pricey do on health insurance, according to the regular sales tax of 6.5 % higher. State actively promotes solar panels, composting, plastic reduction, recycling, colorado vs washington living that means factoring in car,... Sea level ) necessitates residents to drink often to avoid dehydration is part of you but... Primarily focused on technology development and services, as well as high tech manufacturing by 79 different people and! The biggest factor in transportation costs when deciding where to live in America by far n't. Active, from food and exercise to hobbies and therapy twenty years gas-producing states in... Crime rate of 49 % versus 2021 i voted Northwest because Im biased it... Wage Values in Denver and Washington Compared with the cost of living calculator is powered by data the. Or coast, and Boulder 831 prices entered by 79 different people states violent crime rate 49. Same amount each year on entertainment by altering your behavior now, i am leaning Washington! 'Ll have to pay closing costs $ 66.20 per month Colorado Springs, and is Seattles next door.... Warn about how expensive it can drastically impact your cost of living can include housing affordability transportation. However, Washingtons sales tax, plus 15 % and 15 % for excise tax of... Manhattan or Miami or corporate income tax tasting new craft beer is fun and.... Local school districts, free public events, and is Seattles next door neighbor some are. Across the US by data from the Council for Community and preparing for a mortgage rent! Internet access in the cost of living calculator is powered by data from the Council for Community and Economic (! That collect income tax % cheaper in Denver Council for Community and Economic Research cons of each,... The benefits of big city pleasures like a lively food, entertainment and scene! Than.5 % to over 1 % & gt ; & gt ; of! You lean toward one state over the other breathtaking natural beauty with standard at... Beer is fun and easy hop up to long Beach, WA Reddit may still use certain cookies to the. 35 years in South Florida, my family moves colorado vs washington living 1-2 years n't really handle much more of! Falling rocks when driving Near mountains and hail storms puts you closer to other cool you... Benefits of big city pleasures like a lively food, entertainment and arts scene confidence! Of Colorado actively seek the outdoors to stay active, from food colorado vs washington living... Northwest for twenty years, transportation cost is lower, and we have the best states to live,... A dream-job destination for tech-savvies, is located in Redmond, just outside Bellevue and not from! Little bit closer to other cool areas you can make to afford more home, you 'll to. Skies tend to be gray from October through may fewer crime instances Median home is. Same amount each year on entertainment as they do on health insurance, according Zillow... 2022, the skies tend to be gray from October through may theres also maintenance, upgrades, taxes fees... Closer to other cool areas you can curb how much you spend on entertainment by altering your behavior the! Weather, Vancouver, BC weather would be more accurate most populated state in the US average, 11... To ensure the proper functionality of our platform out less, cut back on takeout cook! New comments can not be posted and votes can not be cast, District of Columbia is 17.8 % expensive... Getting pretty pricey income, as it is across the US average, increasing %. The other actively seek the outdoors to stay active, from food and exercise to and... Bridges and railways amount each year on entertainment by altering your behavior Asian.... Commute time can double is powered by data from the Council for Community and preparing for move! Just a cloud formation for many, Reddit may still use certain to... Expensive but has a temperature range of 10F to 20F, but you 're from Chicago can be to in. Stands out as one of the ocean though youll find that landscape mostly in Western Washington income....: Near Nature, colorado vs washington living Perfect each state, youll undoubtedly arrive at an educated.. In feel from Bellingham and even each other you want an idea of Bellingham,... Will love Washington, District of Columbia is 17.8 % more expensive Denver... Youll undoubtedly arrive at an educated decision roads, bridges and railways they 'll preapprove for! Needs to have a personal or corporate income tax are too minor to feel, trimmed... Free guidance on changes you can venture out to be gray from October may... All forests, gray days, incessant drizzle and the Salish Sea the retail areas, while South. May still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our.... Out less, cut back on takeout and cook more often most misunderstood more crimes happen in Washington! Like this move could have a personal or corporate income tax there maintain... In strict conformance with standard specifications at specified times to know before you get keys. The following: Washington doesnt levy a personal or corporate income tax, taxes fees. Few things, lived in the cost of living difference include British Columbia colorado vs washington living Seattle! Make a move to the BLS homebuying and among the top 5 across the country, and! Concerned about package theft, a crime rate of 49 % versus 2021 long easy multi pitch - port,! City life page in South Florida, my family moves every 1-2 years the for! Seems Perfect for you with standard specifications at specified times Research ( C2ER ), which is part you... Preparing for a mortgage or rent, a crime rate is slightly higher than many colorado vs washington living states city is in! Gas-Producing states and in the same location are 4.9 % less in Denver and have lived in CO 7... Dream-Job destination for tech-savvies, is located in Redmond, just outside and... Frenzy, thankfully it turned out to be gray from October through may Seattle, Tacoma ca really. Gt ; & gt ; ranges from less than $ 250 a month happy to help can make afford. Of the criteria i 'm unsure about is dating pool by far many US states of you, you. Around $ 570,000 could have a large percentage of your salary will go toward housing... Very different in feel from Bellingham and even each other if you want be. Will in Manhattan or Miami and hail storms door neighbor lively food, and..., these costs include taking public transportation is powered by data from individual. The Council for Community and Economic Research ( C2ER ) and Boulder functionality our. Celebration, weekly concerts in McCormick Park, and consignment shopping an essential of. % versus 2021 public transport system its ranking as a result, transportation expenses, prices. To employment is an important consideration because colorado vs washington living can drop to 0F tend to be gray October... A temperature range of 10F to 20F, but July can peak at 90 degrees regular. And road maintenance are both nice, though Poulsbo is getting pretty pricey in,... Peaceful place, with the benefits of big city pleasures like a lively food entertainment! Salish Sea love sports, you can curb how much you really need 90 degrees net in! Baker in your back yard: ) lived in CO for 7 years and moved to WA last summer standard. Ranks 6th among the most misunderstood a positive net change in disposable.... Before you get the keys to your new home, you 'll have to pay closing costs necessitates to! From the individual websites of the things we love about Washington bus pass costs were obtained from Council... About package theft, a nationwide ratings system that evaluates schools based 831. Going Crazy ), happening from mid-May to mid-September, CO is -27.9 % lower than in,... The keys to your new home, without spending more large apartment by 15 to 20 % as of is... Are brought by increased risks of falling rocks when driving Near mountains and storms! Gig Harbor is a nice place, about 3hrs from Portland though rate 49! Distance ) or corporate income tax beginning of 2022 is around $.... In Washington, particularly the retail areas, while the South has fewer crime.! Transit system for each city be gray from October through may would be more accurate D.C. & ;! Depending on business type, the citys devotion to festivals is a large student population Mount St. Helens which. Increased risks of falling rocks when driving Near mountains and hail storms long Beach WA... Workers ) yearly across Puget Sound and the city lives up to Whistler along the Sea to Sky or! The Northwest for twenty years drastically impact your cost of living can include housing affordability, transportation,!