Best Boston to Vancouver Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from Boston to Vancouver and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,984 mile move from Massachusetts to Washington go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 66 Boston to Vancouver moving companies and more than 15,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is Stairhopper Movers), how much the move costs (approximately $3,000 - $10,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Boston compared to Vancouver. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.
Best Boston to Vancouver Moving Companies
| Rank | Company Name | Rating  | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stairhopper Movers | 9.66 | 9.62 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 2 | Centaur Moving | 9.60 | 9.79 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 3 | Intelligent labor & Moving | 9.51 | 9.55 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 4 | Northwest Grace Moving | 9.29 | 9.28 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 5 | All Service Moving | 9.27 | 8.91 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from Boston to Vancouver
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,984 miles from Boston, MA to Vancouver, WA will cost on average $4,319 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Boston to Vancouver move is roughly $10,447. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup and dropoff as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve movers, the better your pricing and options will be.
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $2,894 | 300 ft³ | 9.65 |
| 1 Bedroom | $4,319 | 450 ft³ | 9.60 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $7,160 | 750 ft³ | 9.55 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $10,447 | 1100 ft³ | 9.50 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $15,116 | 1600 ft³ | 9.45 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $16,915 | 1800 ft³ | 9.40 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Vancouver to Boston guide.
Compare the 5 Best Boston to Vancouver Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
Stairhopper Movers
20 Harvard St
Boston, MA, 2129
About Stairhopper Movers
Since 2001, Stairhopper Movers has operated as a Boston-based local moving company that performs local and long-distance residential and commercial moves....
Services
- Local moves
- Long distance moves
- Commercial moves
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 1696867 / 623045 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 21 |
| Registered Drivers | 22 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 261,200 (2022) |
Centaur Moving
This listing has been claimed by Centaur Moving171 Windsor St
Cambridge, MA, 02139
About Centaur Moving
Centaur Moving, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is a fully licensed and insured moving company with services for local and nationwide moves....
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Commercial Relocations
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3638077 / 1249051 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
| Registered Drivers | 3 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 20,000 (2022) |
Intelligent labor & Moving
18 Beck Rd
Arlington, MA, 2476
About Intelligent labor & Moving
Established in 2005, Intelligent Labor & Moving is a moving and storage company serving residential and corporate clients in the communities...
Services
- Local moving services
- Long-distance and interstate moving services
- Cheap moving rates with two or three movers
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2065664 / 725481 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 8 |
| Registered Drivers | 8 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 43,583 (2023) |
Northwest Grace Moving
19764 Cypresswood St
Oregon City, OR, 97045
About Northwest Grace Moving
Founded in 2008, Northwest Grace Moving is a fully licensed, bonded, and insured Oregon moving company that serves the entire Portland...
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Senior Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 1999959 / 755213 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 3 |
| Registered Drivers | 3 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 50,000 (2023) |
All Service Moving
This listing has been claimed by All Service Moving66 SE Morrison St
Portland, OR, 97214
About All Service Moving
Based in Portland, OR, Willamette Valley Moving has provided moving services in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho for over 18 years. By...
Services
- Residential Moving
- Commercial Moving
- Long Distance Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 1863079 / 722865 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 80 |
| Registered Drivers | 113 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 1,186,786 (2022) |
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Boston vs. Vancouver Neighborhood Comparison
Moving to a new city can be daunting, especially when it comes to finding the right neighborhood to call home. To ease this transition, we've created a comparison guide to help you familiarize yourself with Vancouver, WA, using Boston, MA & Vancouver, WA neighborhoods as a reference. By comparing popular neighborhoods in Boston with their Vancouver counterparts, you can find a new community that feels familiar.
| Boston | Vancouver | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Back Bay | Fisher's Landing East | Upscale, vibrant community |
| Beacon Hill | Downtown Vancouver | Historic charm, walkable streets |
| South End | Uptown Village | Artsy, diverse cultural scene |
| North End | Old Evergreen Highway | Waterfront proximity, culinary hotspot |
| Jamaica Plain | Shumway | Laid-back, community-focused |
| Fenway-Kenmore | Fruit Valley | Youthful energy, sports and entertainment |
| Charlestown | Rose Village | Rich history, sense of community |
| Allston-Brighton | Carter Park | Lively, student-friendly environment |
| Dorchester | Hearthwood | Diverse, family-friendly vibes |
| South Boston | Cascade Highlands | Growing, vibrant community |
In comparing these neighborhoods, consider Beacon Hill's counterpart in Vancouver, Downtown Vancouver, where you'll discover a treasure trove of historic buildings along walkable streets, offering a similar charm. Similarly, the culinary delights and waterfront views that define North End find a match in Old Evergreen Highway, a neighborhood known for its restaurants and stunning river vistas. For those drawn to the youthful energy and sports culture of Fenway-Kenmore, Fruit Valley in Vancouver offers an exciting mix of recreational activities and entertainment options. Each of these pairs showcases how moving from Boston to Vancouver can be a journey of discovering new favorites while still finding comfort in the characteristics that made you love your Boston neighborhood.
Things to Do in Vancouver
Explore Fort Vancouver National Historic Site.- Stroll along Vancouver Waterfront Park.
- Attend summer concerts at Esther Short Park.
- Visit Pearson Air Museum.
- Hike Columbia Hills State Park trails.
- Enjoy wine tasting at Maryhill Winery Tasting Room.
- Take kids to Marshall Community Park.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Boston to Vancouver
Moving from one city to another is a significant life decision, made easier when weighing the ups and downs of your current location against your future one. This comparison aims at offering an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes tied to relocating from Boston, MA to Vancouver, WA. By venturing through these charts, you'll gain insights into what changes, for better or worse, await you.
Boston, MA- Higher living costs
- Colder winters
- Dense traffic
- Smaller green spaces
Vancouver, WA- More affordable living
- Milder winters
- Less congestion
- More parks and greens
Vancouver, WA- Less historical depth
- Quieter cultural scene
- More car dependence
- More limited food variety
Boston, MA- Rich history
- Vibrant culture
- Better public transit
- Diverse cuisine
While both Boston and Vancouver offer unique living experiences, moving to Vancouver, WA, indeed brings a shift in lifestyle. The city's public parks, such as Esther Short Park, provide expansive greenery and recreational activities missing in the compact urban spaces back in Boston. Restaurant scenes might vary, but places like La Pella in Vancouver offer a gastronomic delight that could easily rival Boston's diverse cuisine. Though the historical charm and bustling city life of Boston are unmatched, Vancouver counters with a serene, more laid-back living style, nestled amidst nature and marked by a significant reduction in living costs. This comparative ease is especially felt in residential areas like Fisher's Landing East, characterized by its welcoming neighborhoods and easy access to both natural sights and urban amenities.
Boston vs. Vancouver Food Guide
This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Boston, MA & Vancouver, WA for those considering a move. Understanding the local food scene is essential as it's a vibrant part of living in a new area. Through this comparison, you'll gain insights into what culinary delights await you in your new home.
| Boston | Vancouver | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Clam Chowder | Smoked Salmon |
| Most popular meat dish | Lobster Roll | Elk Burger |
| Most popular street food item | Cannoli | Taco Trucks |
| Most popular vegan food | Quinoa Salad | Tofu Scramble |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
Upon arriving in Vancouver, WA, you'll find a transition from Boston's famed seafood to Vancouver's embrace of Pacific Northwest flavors. Vancouver shines with its smoked salmon, a regional staple, readily found in local markets or as a feature in upscale dining rooms like those at Beaches Restaurant and Bar. Vegan and health-conscious eaters moving from Boston will appreciate Vancouver's slightly higher vegan-friendly rating, with spots like Bleu Door Bakery offering delicious plant-based brunch options. Food trucks, such as those serving up fresh Pacific Northwest tacos, paint Vancouver’s streets with a casual, culinary charm, catering to a bustling foodie scene amid the city's outdoor-centric culture.
Boston vs. Vancouver Restaurant Comparison
Finding a new favorite eatery can make a new city feel like home. This comparison of top restaurants from Boston to their closest counterparts in Vancouver, WA, is designed to ease your transition. Food plays a crucial role in settling into a new place, and this guide will help you discover places where you can relish meals that remind you of Boston's top restaurants with Vancouver's culinary offerings.
| Boston | Vancouver | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Neptune Oyster | WildFin American Grill | Offers fresh seafood reminiscent of Neptune Oyster's premium offerings. |
| Oleana | Relevant Coffee | Known for innovative dishes and a cozy ambiance similar to Oleana. |
| Sarma | Lapellah | Delivers a farm-to-table experience akin to Sarma's inventive Mediterranean fare. |
| Toro | La Bottega | Serves Spanish-influenced dishes and wines, capturing Toro's essence. |
| Regina Pizzeria | Apizza Scholls | Famous for wood-fired pizzas that rival Regina Pizzeria's much-loved slices. |
| Pammy’s | Nonavo Pizza | Offers a unique dining experience with handmade pizzas and natural wines, akin to Pammy’s vibe. |
| Giulia | Ilani | Fine dining with an Italian twist, channeling Giulia’s upscale atmosphere. |
| Coppa | The Grocery Cocktail & Social | Known for its small plates and craft cocktails, echoing Coppa's intimate experience. |
| Harvest | Farmers Market | While not a restaurant, it offers fresh, local produce similar to Harvest’s farm-to-table concept. |
| Mistral | Hudson’s Bar and Grill | Offers an elegant dining experience with a focus on seasonal ingredients, much like Mistral. |
Among the notable mentions, Apizza Scholls in Vancouver captures the essence of Boston's beloved Regina Pizzeria, offering wood-fired pizzas that come remarkably close to the iconic slices found in the North End. For a taste of the Mediterranean similar to Sarma and Toro, La Bottega in Vancouver serves up Spanish-inflected dishes and a notable wine list that brings a piece of Boston's vibrant dining scene to the Pacific Northwest. Transitioning from Boston's eclectic food scene to Vancouver doesn't mean sacrificing quality or diversity in dining experiences. These Vancouver establishments not only promise to satisfy your cravings but also offer the warmth and ambiance you’ve cherished back in Boston.
Ready to start your move?
Boston vs. Vancouver Real Estate & Living Facts
When considering a move, understanding the real estate market is crucial. This comparison between Boston, MA and Vancouver, WA will guide you in making an informed decision about where to call home next. Let’s dive into the housing aspects of both cities.
| Comparison | Boston | Vancouver |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Colonial, Victorian | Ranch, Craftsman |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Proximity to universities, historic landmarks | Family-friendly neighborhoods, green spaces |
Examining real estate across cities reveals significant differences, particularly in costs and lifestyles. While Boston's median home price and monthly rent are considerably higher, reflecting its historic and high-demand urban environment, Vancouver offers a more affordable and spacious living option. The architectural styles also hint at the cities' cultural backgrounds, with Boston showcasing Colonial and Victorian homes indicative of its rich history, while Vancouver leans towards practical Ranch and Craftsman designs suitable for family living. Moreover, Boston's excellent walkability score is indicative of its dense, urban landscape, where most amenities and vibrant city life are within walking distance. Meanwhile, Vancouver's higher bikeability score aligns with its laid-back, outdoor lifestyle supported by extensive bike paths. Each city captures a unique essence, catered to diverse preferences and lifestyles.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Vancouver, WA
1. Fisher's Landing East: Known for its extensive walking trails and dog-friendly parks, such as the popular Dogwood Dog Park, Fisher's Landing East is perfect for pets who love to explore outdoors.
2. Lincoln: With its welcoming vibe, Lincoln boasts pet-friendly dining options and the beautiful Esther Short Park, where you can enjoy open spaces and community events with your four-legged friends.
3. Shumway: Close to the heart of Vancouver, Shumway offers easy access to pet services and supplies, including numerous Petco locations, and is a stone's throw away from several pet-friendly cafes and shops.
Boston vs. Vancouver Weather Considerations
If you're considering a move from one location to another, understanding how the weather compares is crucial. This guide is specifically designed to help you grasp the climatic differences between Boston, MA and Vancouver, WA, ensuring you're well-prepared for what lies ahead.
Boston, MA
Vancouver, WA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Boston, MA
Vancouver, WA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Boston, MA
Vancouver, WA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Boston, MA
Vancouver, WA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Boston | Vancouver |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Blizzards, Nor'easters | Earthquakes, Volcanoes |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
While both Boston and Vancouver enjoy a comparable average summer temperature, you'll find winters considerably milder in Vancouver, WA. Sunshine is more abundant in Boston, with 200 days of sunshine a year compared to Vancouver's 144. This could influence your daily lifestyle, potentially requiring more indoor activities in Vancouver. Understanding the prevalence of natural disasters, like Boston's blizzards versus Vancouver's earthquakes, is also key for emergency preparedness. Additionally, Boston experiences more snowfall, which might mean investing in different winter gear if moving to Vancouver, where snow is a rarity.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Boston to Vancouver
When considering a move from one city to another, it's critical to gauge how your finances might be affected. This comparison between Boston, MA and Vancouver, WA aims to highlight key economic differences to help you plan your transition effectively.
| Comparison | Boston | Vancouver |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $79,283 | $69,993 |
| Cost of Living Index | 132.5 | 94.8 |
| State Income Tax | 5 | 0 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 1.1 | 1.03 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 6.25 | 8.4 |
| Top 3 Industries | Education, Health Services, Finance | Technology, Manufacturing, Retail |
| Affluence | Moderately affluent | Somewhat affluent |
| Poverty | Low | Medium |
| Homelessness | Noticeable | Concerning |
When moving from Boston to Vancouver, you'll notice significant differences financially. The average household income is lower in Vancouver, but this is offset by a much lower cost of living and the absence of state income tax, which can be a real game-changer for your budget. The cost of living in Boston is considerably higher, which can strain finances despite potentially higher incomes. Understanding the economic landscape, including the dominant industries and tax structures of your new city, is crucial for a smooth transition and financial stability.
Boston vs. Vancouver Political & Religious Comparison
When considering a move from Boston, MA to Vancouver, WA, it’s helpful to get an understanding of how the communities compare. This comparison of the politics between Boston & Vancouver provides a quick snapshot of the political leanings and religious affiliations of residents in each city, offering insights into what you might expect in your new home.
| Boston | Vancouver | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Liberal/Democratic | Moderate, with a mix of Liberal and Conservative |
| Local Politics | Democratic dominance in local government | More balanced with both Democratic and Republican representation |
| Religion | Largely secular with Catholic presence | Religiously diverse with Protestant, Catholic, and non-affiliated groups |
In Boston, the political scene is strongly liberal, largely influenced by its history, universities, and Democrat-led governance. Local politics reflect this with a significant Democratic presence. Religion in Boston tends to be more secular overall, but there is a notable Catholic community due in part to the city's Irish and Italian heritage. Moving to Vancouver, WA, you'll find a more politically diverse environment. The local political landscape is not as skewed towards one party and reflects a mix of both liberal and conservative values. Religion in Vancouver is more varied, with no single denomination dominating the scene, reflecting the city's broad mix of cultures and beliefs. This contrast in political and religious makeup can offer a refreshing change and new perspectives for those relocating from Boston.
Boston vs. Vancouver Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Boston, MA to Vancouver, WA involves adjusting to different daily commutes and traffic scenarios. This comparison will help you better understand what the daily commute and traffic is like in each city.
| Comparison | Boston | Vancouver |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 30.4 | 25.4 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Yes, easier | Possible, but harder |
In Boston, the vast MBTA public transportation system makes it significantly easier to navigate the city without a car compared to Vancouver, where the public transit options are more limited. While Vancouver enjoys less traffic congestion, potentially leading to quicker commute times, the need for a car is more pronounced due to its less dense public transportation network. This shift in reliance on personal transportation in Vancouver could be a notable change from Boston's more walkable and transit-friendly infrastructure. Adapting to these differences will be an essential aspect of your move, especially considering your daily commute and overall lifestyle adjustments in a new city.
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