What should you know before moving to Pierce County from Florida?
About 8,400 people moved from Florida to Washington in 2024 (U.S. Census Bureau). Neither state taxes wages for most people, so the bigger changes are elsewhere: Pierce County trades hurricanes and heat for mild, rainy winters and dry summers, homeowners insurance concerns shift from wind and flood toward earthquake coverage, and homes are wood-frame on crawlspaces rather than block on slab. The county’s median residential sale price was $570,000 in October 2026 (NWMLS InfoSparks).
Florida families come to Pierce County for jobs, military transfers, family, or a break from storm season. It’s a long move with a lot of “firsts” — first real fall, first mountain view from the grocery store parking lot, first time scraping frost off a windshield.
Here’s what to plan for. For a broader look at communities and commutes, start with our Pierce County Relocation Hub.
Taxes compared
- Income tax: Like Florida, Washington doesn’t tax wages for most people. Washington does have a capital gains excise tax on certain large long-term gains (real estate sales are generally excluded), and a 9.9% tax on personal income above $1 million is scheduled to start in 2028.
- Sales tax: Around 10% combined in much of Pierce County — higher than most Florida counties.
- Property tax: In 2026, average levy rates were about $9.82 per $1,000 of assessed value in Puyallup and $11.47 in Bonney Lake. Washington doesn’t have a homestead cap like Florida’s Save Our Homes, so assessed values track the market more closely. See our property tax comparison for Pierce County cities.
This is general information, not tax advice.
Insurance and natural hazards
This is where many Florida buyers feel relief. Hurricanes aren’t a factor here, and windstorm coverage isn’t the headline issue it is in Florida.
The hazards here are different:
- Earthquakes. Standard homeowners policies usually don’t cover earthquake damage; it’s a separate policy or endorsement. Our guide to earthquake insurance in Pierce County explains the options.
- Flooding. River valleys, including parts of Puyallup, Sumner, and Orting, have mapped flood zones. Check before you buy — see Puyallup flood zones.
- Volcanic hazard. Parts of the valley are in Mount Rainier lahar zones, with evacuation routes and warning systems in place.
Weather and homes
Weather. Summers are dry and mild, usually in the 70s and low 80s with low humidity. Fall through spring is cool, cloudy, and damp. Lowland snow is occasional. You’ll trade your hurricane kit for a good raincoat and an ice scraper.
Homes. Florida buyers notice:
- Wood-frame construction with siding instead of concrete block and stucco.
- Crawlspaces are common, and inspectors focus on moisture.
- Heating matters more than cooling. Heat pumps are increasingly common; some older homes don’t have central air.
- Pools are rare. Hot tubs are far more common in our climate.
- Moss and gutters replace hurricane shutters on the maintenance list.
What homes cost
Recent NWMLS InfoSparks medians (residential, August–October 2026): Spanaway $507,000, Lakewood $540,000, Puyallup $577,500, Bonney Lake $645,000, Edgewood $780,000, Lake Tapps $856,000, and Gig Harbor $937,500. Want to stay near the water? Lake Tapps and Gig Harbor are the closest thing to Florida waterfront living — with evergreens instead of palms.
Countywide supply was 3.6 months in October 2026, a balanced market with room to negotiate.
Practical to-dos
- Get a Washington driver license and register vehicles within 30 days of becoming a resident.
- Sign a written buyer services agreement with your broker — it’s required in Washington. See buyer representation agreements in Washington.
- Military families transferring from Florida bases to JBLM can start with our guide to buying a home near JBLM.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people move from Florida to Washington?
About 8,400 people moved from Florida to Washington in 2024, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. More people moved from Washington to Florida than the reverse.
Does Washington have income tax like Florida?
Like Florida, Washington doesn’t tax wages for most people. Washington has a capital gains excise tax on certain large gains and a 9.9% tax on income above $1 million starting in 2028.
Is homeowners insurance cheaper in Washington than Florida?
Many Florida transplants find homeowners insurance less of a burden here because hurricanes aren’t a factor. Earthquake coverage is usually separate, so get quotes for both before you buy.
How much does a house cost in Pierce County?
The median residential sale price was $570,000 in October 2026, according to NWMLS InfoSparks. City medians ranged from about $507,000 in Spanaway to about $937,500 in Gig Harbor this fall.
Moving across the country goes smoother with a local guide on this end. If you’re considering a move to Pierce County, text RELOCATE to 253-677-5765 for a personalized consultation covering neighborhoods, housing options, and what life here actually looks like — or schedule a call.
About Josh Barnard
Josh Barnard is the founder of The Barnard Group and has spent over 20 years helping families navigate some of life’s biggest moments through real estate. Known for his “Work Hard. Be Kind.” approach, Josh combines expert market knowledge, innovative marketing, and genuine care to help homeowners make confident decisions about their next chapter. Whether someone is buying their first home, moving up, downsizing, or relocating to Pierce County, his mission is simple: serve people well, create unforgettable experiences, and help families build a life they love.
