Living In Washington Vs Virginia: State Comparisons

Table of Contents

1. Climate
2. Real Estate
3. Education
4. Transportation
5. Employment
6. Entertainment

When it comes to finding a place to live, there are a lot of factors to consider. Two states that often come up in comparisons are Washington and Virginia. Both states have their own unique advantages and disadvantages.

Deciding where to move is a major life decision, especially if you’re moving out of state. To truly figure out where you should be heading, you need to do plenty of research on things like the weather, job opportunities, the types of housing and neighborhoods in the area, and so much more.

If it’s Washington vs Virginia, you’ll want to compare the two states before making any major decisions. To help make the decision a little easier on you, here’s a look at some of the key differences between living in Washington and living in Virginia:

Climate

The climate is a major deciding factor for many homeowners. Many people have very specific tastes when it comes to weather conditions. Washington has a reputation for being a rainy state, and while that is true in some areas, the climate actually varies quite a bit depending on location.

The western part of the state is much drier than the eastern part. Overall, the average temperature in Washington is 54 degrees Fahrenheit.

Virginia also has a varied climate, depending on location. The average temperature in Virginia is 58 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the state experiences more extreme temperatures than Washington. In the summer, temperatures can often climb above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Real Estate

Another important factor to consider when deciding between Washington and Virginia is the available real estate. The types of homes in both Washington and Virginia range greatly.

Virginia realtor Dustin Fox added, “Potential homebuyers can find modest single-family housing, trendy lofts, and condo units, as well as rental opportunities. From charming townhomes to grand estates, you can find just about any type of housing suited to all budgets.”

In general, Washington is more expensive than Virginia when it comes to the cost of living. The average cost of rent in Washington is $1,258, while the average cost of rent in Virginia is $1,234.

Washington also has a higher median home value at around $625,000 as opposed to Virginia where the median home value is just over $370,000. Washington is also significantly higher when it comes to property tax. Most Washington residents pay around $3,513 in property taxes whereas, in Virginia, you’ll likely pay closer to $2,300. So if it all comes down to the numbers, expect to pay more for a Washington property.

Education

When it comes to education, both Washington and Virginia have a lot to offer. Washington is home to some of the top universities in the country, including the University of Washington and Washington State University.

Virginia also has several highly-ranked colleges and universities, such as the College of William & Mary and the University of Virginia. Many residents in both cities are highly educated, with a large percentage attaining some form of post-secondary education.

For one, both states have a similar student-to-teacher ratio. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, both states have a student-to-teacher ratio of 16:1. However, Virginia spends more per pupil than Washington. In fact, Virginia ranks 11th in the nation in per-pupil spending while Washington ranks 23rd.

Transportation

Another key difference between Washington and Virginia is transportation. Washington has a well-developed public transportation system, with buses and trains that run throughout the state.

Virginia also has a public transportation system, but it is not as extensive as Washington’s. If you’re planning on living in Washington, you’ll need to be prepared to use public transportation or have your own car.

Because, nearly 60% of all trips in Washington are made using public transportation, while in Virginia that number is closer to just 30%.

There is also a big difference in the amount of money spent on transportation. Washingtonians spend an average of $1,200 per person on transportation each year, while Virginians only spend about $850. So you have a bigger expense in WA.

Employment

Job opportunities vary depending on where you live in Washington or Virginia. In general, the job market is better in Washington than it is in Virginia–there are simply more opportunities and a higher average salary. In Washington, the average salary is around $70,000 while in Virginia it’s closer to $67,000.

Both states have a high percentage of workers in the tech and healthcare industries, between 10-13 percent in fact. Each state has an unemployment rate of about 5% and the median household incomes are quite similar. Virginia has an average income of $76,398 while Washington sits around $77,000.

Entertainment

When it comes to entertainment, Washington and Virginia offer different experiences. Washington is home to major league sports teams, as well as plenty of museums and cultural attractions. Virginia, on the other hand, boasts a more laid-back atmosphere with its wineries and historic landmarks.

If you’re looking for a night out on the town, Washington is the place to be. The city has a vibrant nightlife scene, with plenty of bars and clubs to choose from. There’s also no shortage of things to do during the day, whether you want to catch a game at Nationals Park or explore one of the many museums.

Virginia may not have as many big-city amenities as Washington, but that doesn’t mean it’s lacking in things to do.

So, what’s the verdict? Both Washington and Virginia have their pros and cons. It really depends on your own personal preferences as to which state is the best place for you to live.

Consider your budget, climate preferences, and desired lifestyle when making your decision. You may also want to do a deeper dive into the particular neighborhoods and types of amenities that each region can offer.

If you’re looking for a big-city atmosphere with the opportunity to explore the great outdoors, Washington may be the place for you. If you prefer a slower pace of life with access to top-notch education, Virginia could be your ideal state. Whichever you choose, you’re sure to enjoy all that these states have to offer.

Thank you for reading!