Quick answer
Washington has lower average 1BR rent ($1,600/mo vs $1,616/mo). Both states have the same state income tax rate (None).
State Comparison · 2026
Florida vs Washington
Side-by-side on state income tax, rent, home prices, climate, and top metros — with specific dollar numbers for every claim.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Florida vs Washington at a Glance
| Metric | Florida | Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Avg 1BR rent (major metros) | $1,616 | $1,600 ✓ |
| Avg median home price | $416K ✓ | $570K |
| Cheapest city | Pensacola ($1,100) ✓ | Spokane ($1,100) |
| Priciest city | Fort Lauderdale ($2,250) | Seattle ($2,100) |
| State income tax | None ✓ | None |
| Avg walkability | 49/100 | 62/100 ✓ |
| Cities tracked | 9 | 2 |
✓ marks the lower or more favorable value. Averages use the major metros we track in each state.
Deep Dive: Each State
Florida (FL)
Tax reality
Florida has no state income tax and no estate tax — attractive to high earners and retirees. The math breaks down on insurance: Florida homeowners insurance averages $5,500-$11,000/year (highest in the US), and private insurers have pulled out, leaving Citizens Insurance as the insurer of last resort for many.
Top cities (9 tracked)
Top drawbacks
- ✕Hurricane risk is increasing. Ian (2022) caused $100B+ damage; every summer now has 3-5 named storms affecting parts of the state. Coastal homes in Ft Myers, Tampa, and the Keys face the highest risk.
- ✕Homeowners insurance is the highest in the US — Florida averages $5,500/year and coastal counties often hit $10,000-$15,000/year. Premiums increased 50-80% between 2020-2024.
- ✕Summer humidity is oppressive from May through October. 90°F + 80% humidity is the default — you acclimate but the heat index regularly hits 105°F.
Washington (WA)
Tax reality
Washington has no state income tax on W-2 wages. The state collects revenue through a 6.5% state sales tax (local rates push it to 9-10% in most metros) and a Business & Occupation (B&O) gross receipts tax that affects self-employed workers. A 7% capital gains tax (passed 2021) applies only to gains over $250K on investments — so most people never hit it.
Top cities (2 tracked)
Top drawbacks
- ✕Cloud cover from October through April is serious — many newcomers experience genuine seasonal affective disorder (SAD). If you've never lived somewhere with low winter sunlight, test with a 2-week November visit before committing.
- ✕Home prices in Seattle proper have stayed high — $750K-$850K median for a modest SFH in decent neighborhoods. Bellevue and eastside tech suburbs run higher.
- ✕Sales tax 9-10% stings. Every purchase is noticeably more expensive than in no-sales-tax states like Oregon or Montana.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Florida or Washington cheaper to live in?
Washington has lower average 1BR rent across major metros — $1,600/mo vs $1,616/mo in Florida, a $16/mo difference. Home prices: Florida median is $416K vs $570K.
Florida vs Washington: which has lower state income tax?
Florida and Washington have similar state tax (None vs None).
Should I move from Florida to Washington?
Florida has no state income tax and no estate tax — attractive to high earners and retirees. The math breaks down on insurance: Florida homeowners insurance averages $5,500-$11,000/year (highest in the US), and private insurers have pulled out, leaving Citizens Insurance as the insurer of last resort for many.
What are the best cities in Florida vs Washington?
Florida's largest metros include Miami, Tampa, Orlando. Washington's largest metros include Seattle, Spokane. Cost of living varies significantly within each state — a Florida suburb can be 40% cheaper than its flagship city, and vice versa.