Is Washington, DC cheaper than Anaheim, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Washington, DC is 1.3% cheaper than Anaheim, CA. The two cities have very similar living costs.

What salary do I need in Washington, DC to live like I do in Anaheim, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Anaheim, CA, you'd need approximately $148,831.169 in Washington, DC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Anaheim, CA and Washington, DC?

Housing in Washington, DC is 3.5% more expensive than in Anaheim, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,470/month in Washington, DC compared to $3,240/month in Anaheim, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Anaheim, CA to Washington, DC?

Moving from Anaheim, CA to Washington, DC could save you approximately $97 per month, or $1169 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Anaheim, CA vs Washington, DC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Anaheim, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $97.40/month moving to Washington, DC

$150.0K in your current city equals $148.8K in Washington, DC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 1.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$97.40

Savings

Annual Impact

$1.2K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Anaheim, CA

Population:341K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$969K

Washington, DC

Population:690K

Cost Index:

(1% below avg)

Median Home:$556K

Anaheim, CA

The Golden State

341K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 341K residents.

Washington, DC

The District of Columbia

690K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Nations capital
•No voting representation in Congress
•Major international city

Major Industries

GovernmentProfessional ServicesTourismEducation

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Anaheim, CA vs Washington, DC

Category	Anaheim, CA	Washington, DC	Difference	Change
Transportation	$2,158/mo	$1,885/mo	↓ $273less	12.7%
Housing	$6,003/mo	$6,211/mo	↑ $208more	3.5%
Other	$1,724/mo	$1,825/mo	↑ $100more	5.8%
Healthcare	$551/mo	$632/mo	↑ $80.54more	14.6%
All Utilities	$557/mo	$508/mo	↓ $49.18less	8.8%
Groceries	$1,039/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $39.97more	3.8%

Transportation

↓ 12.7%

Anaheim, CA

$2,158

Washington, DC

$1,885

Difference

$273

less

Housing

↑ 3.5%

Anaheim, CA

$6,003

Washington, DC

$6,211

Difference

$208

Other

↑ 5.8%

Anaheim, CA

$1,724

Washington, DC

$1,825

Difference

$100

Healthcare

↑ 14.6%

Anaheim, CA

$551

Washington, DC

$632

Difference

$80.54

All Utilities

↓ 8.8%

Anaheim, CA

$557

Washington, DC

$508

Difference

$49.18

less

Groceries

↑ 3.8%

Anaheim, CA

$1,039

Washington, DC

$1,079

Difference

$39.97

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,690

To$2,150

↓ $540

1 Bed

From$2,750

To$2,215

↓ $535

2 Bed

From$3,240

To$2,470

↓ $770

3 Bed

From$4,400

To$3,115

↓ $1,285

Anaheim, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,410–$3,900/mo

Washington, DCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,340–$3,020/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$12,034

Monthly in Anaheim, CA

$12,140

Monthly in Washington, DC

$106

Difference

Home Values

Anaheim

Washington

$969K

Median Value

$556K

↓ -0.6%

YoY Change

↓ -2.2%

↑ +38%

5-Year Change

↓ -5.6%

$837K - $1.26M

Price Range

$233K - $1.35M

Homes in Washington are 43% less expensive than Anaheim

Calculate payment - Anaheim Calculate payment - Washington

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $524

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$43.66

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.3%

Rate difference

Anaheim, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Washington, DC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

District of Columbia State Tax

Effective: 7.4%

$11.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 32.1%

$48.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,486/month

$101.8K

Additional Tax Information

Anaheim, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Washington, DC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.