Is Washington, DC cheaper than Los Angeles, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Washington, DC is 12.3% cheaper than Los Angeles, CA. This translates to saving $922 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Los Angeles, CA, you'd need approximately $138,938.257 in Washington, DC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Washington, DC is 19.9% cheaper than in Los Angeles, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,470/month in Washington, DC compared to $2,660/month in Los Angeles, CA.

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

Moving from Los Angeles, CA to Washington, DC could save you approximately $922 per month, or $11062 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

Los Angeles, CA

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Washington, DC

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Los Angeles, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $922/month moving to Washington, DC

$150.0K in your current city equals $138.9K in Washington, DC

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

Overall Cost

↓ 12.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$922

Savings

Annual Impact

$11.1K

Per year

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

Los Angeles, CA

Population:3899K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$885K

Washington, DC

Population:690K

Cost Index:88

Median Home:$556K

Los Angeles, CA

The Golden State

3.9M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Entertainment capital of the world
•Major Pacific Rim trade center
•Diverse metropolitan area

Major Industries

EntertainmentTechnologyInternational TradeTourism

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: Los Angeles, CA vs Washington, DC

Category	Los Angeles, CA	Washington, DC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$7,749/mo	$6,211/mo	↓ $1,538less	19.9%
🚗Transportation	$2,158/mo	$1,885/mo	↓ $273less	12.7%
📦Other	$1,731/mo	$1,825/mo	↑ $93.74more	5.4%
🏥Healthcare	$554/mo	$632/mo	↑ $78.07more	14.1%
⚡All Utilities	$557/mo	$508/mo	↓ $49.18less	8.8%
🛒Groceries	$1,040/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $38.97more	3.7%

🏠Housing

↓ 19.9%

Los Angeles, CA

$7,749

Washington, DC

$6,211

Difference

$1,538

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 12.7%

Los Angeles, CA

$2,158

Washington, DC

$1,885

Difference

$273

less

📦Other

↑ 5.4%

Los Angeles, CA

$1,731

Washington, DC

$1,825

Difference

$93.74

🏥Healthcare

↑ 14.1%

Los Angeles, CA

$554

Washington, DC

$632

Difference

$78.07

⚡All Utilities

↓ 8.8%

Los Angeles, CA

$557

Washington, DC

$508

Difference

$49.18

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 3.7%

Los Angeles, CA

$1,040

Washington, DC

$1,079

Difference

$38.97

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,910

To$2,150

↑ $240

1 Bed

From$2,135

To$2,215

↑ $80.00

2 Bed

From$2,660

To$2,470

↓ $190

3 Bed

From$3,370

To$3,115

↓ $255

Los Angeles, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,630–$3,130/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.

$13,790

Monthly in Los Angeles, CA

$12,140

Monthly in Washington, DC

$1,650

Difference

Home Values

Los Angeles

Washington

$885K

Median Value

$556K

↓ -3.4%

YoY Change

↓ -2.2%

↑ +13.1%

5-Year Change

↓ -5.6%

$531K - $3.01M

Price Range

$233K - $1.35M

Homes in Washington are 37% less expensive than Los Angeles

Calculate payment - Los Angeles 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

Los Angeles, 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

Los Angeles, 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.