Washington
About 44,000 Californians moved to Washington in 2024, the number 4 destination out of California. Washington has no personal income tax on wages.
Home prices in Washington vs. LA
| City | Median sale price | $/sq ft | Median days on market |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical LA County zip | $904K | $588 | n/a |
| Seattle | $901K | $571 | 11 |
Redfin Data Center. Cities: May 2026, all residential. LA: median of LA County zip-code medians, Mar 2026 to May 2026.
Taxes
Washington has no personal income tax on wages. Washington does have a capital gains excise tax on certain long-term capital gains above an annual deduction, with a higher rate on gains above $1 million. Sales of real estate are generally exempt from that tax. Washington's tax rules have been changing, so check the current details with the Department of Revenue. See the Washington revenue department for current rules.
Moving out of California generally doesn't take the sale of a California home out of California's tax reach. Our guide to selling your LA home and moving out of state covers withholding at closing, the capital gains exclusion and the questions to bring to a CPA.
Common questions
How many people move from California to Washington?
About 43,938 people (plus or minus 5,464) moved from California to Washington in 2024, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey, the number 4 destination for people leaving California.
Does Washington have a state income tax?
Washington has no personal income tax on wages. California's top marginal rate is 13.3%. Confirm current rates with the Washington revenue department and a CPA.
What do homes cost in Washington compared with LA?
The typical Seattle home sold for about $901K (Redfin, May 2026), versus about $904K for a typical LA County zip code.
Mover counts: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 state-to-state migration flows (people who lived in California one year earlier). Estimates have margins of error. Market figures: Redfin Data Center.