State income tax
Washington still has no tax on wages or salary for the vast majority of households — a major swing if you're coming from California (up to ~13%). Two honest asterisks: long-term capital gains above ~$270K are taxed at 7% (9.9% above $1M), and a new “Millionaires' Tax” signed in March 2026 — currently being challenged in court — would tax household income above $1M at 9.9% starting in 2028. Earning under $1M a year? Nothing changes.
Sales tax
State base is 6.5%, and with local add-ons it runs roughly 8.6%–10.3% across the Puget Sound region. You'll notice it most on big purchases — a car, furniture for the new place.
Property tax
Below the national average, but it varies by county and local levies. On a $600K home that's roughly $5,000–$6,000 a year — always check the specific parcel.
Ferries & commute
West of the Sound, factor in ferry fares: a few dollars to walk on, roughly $15–30 for a vehicle one-way depending on the route, with monthly passes and ORCA discounts. Kitsap Transit's fast passenger ferries are an affordable Seattle option.
Utilities & heat
Electricity comes from Puget Sound Energy or a county PUD. Many homes are all-electric or use heat pumps and propane — natural gas isn't everywhere, especially rural. The mild climate keeps heating and cooling bills reasonable.
Home insurance
No hurricanes and low tornado risk keep premiums below disaster-prone states. Earthquake coverage is a separate, worthwhile add-on, and rural or wildfire-exposed areas can run higher.
Estate tax
Washington levies its own estate tax — no inheritance tax, but estates above roughly $3M per person (indexed for inflation) are taxed, and 2025 legislation raised the top rate to 35%, the steepest in the nation. Moving here with significant assets? Talk to an estate planner before you establish residency, not after.
Coming from Seattle or California?
The headline is usually the same: you get noticeably more home for the money and no state income tax — but watch the ferry budget and the sales tax. Plug real numbers into the budget calculator to see your monthly picture, and James can pressure-test it for your exact situation.
Figures are approximate and change — verify current rates and any specific property's taxes before you rely on them.
Ready to make the move?
Tell us a little about your move and James will follow up personally — no pressure, no spam. Whether you're six weeks or two years out, you'll get straight answers about neighborhoods, prices, and timing from a broker who lives here.
