Is Washington, DC cheaper than New York, NY?

Based on cost of living data, Washington, DC is 9.5% cheaper than New York, NY. This translates to saving $714 per month.

What salary do I need in Washington, DC to live like I do in New York, NY?

If you earn $150,000 in New York, NY, you'd need approximately $141,428.571 in Washington, DC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between New York, NY and Washington, DC?

Housing in Washington, DC is 18.8% cheaper than in New York, NY. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,470/month in Washington, DC compared to $3,590/month in New York, NY.

How much can I save per month by moving from New York, NY to Washington, DC?

Moving from New York, NY to Washington, DC could save you approximately $714 per month, or $8571 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

New York, NY

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Washington, DC

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in New York, NY

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $714/month moving to Washington, DC

$150.0K in your current city equals $141.4K in Washington, DC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA area

Overall Cost

↓ 9.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$714

Savings

Annual Impact

$8.6K

Per year

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

New York, NY

Population:8337K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.05M

Washington, DC

Population:690K

Cost Index:90

Median Home:$556K

New York, NY

The Empire State

8.3M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Most populous city in the US
•Major global financial center
•World-renowned cultural hub

Major Industries

FinanceReal EstateTechnologyMedia

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: New York, NY vs Washington, DC

Category	New York, NY	Washington, DC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$7,648/mo	$6,211/mo	↓ $1,437less	18.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,602/mo	$1,885/mo	↑ $283more	17.6%
📦Other	$2,034/mo	$1,825/mo	↓ $209less	10.3%
⚡All Utilities	$600/mo	$508/mo	↓ $91.80less	15.3%
🛒Groceries	$1,165/mo	$1,079/mo	↓ $85.94less	7.4%
🏥Healthcare	$688/mo	$632/mo	↓ $55.76less	8.1%

🏠Housing

↓ 18.8%

New York, NY

$7,648

Washington, DC

$6,211

Difference

$1,437

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 17.6%

New York, NY

$1,602

Washington, DC

$1,885

Difference

$283

📦Other

↓ 10.3%

New York, NY

$2,034

Washington, DC

$1,825

Difference

$209

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 15.3%

New York, NY

$600

Washington, DC

$508

Difference

$91.80

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 7.4%

New York, NY

$1,165

Washington, DC

$1,079

Difference

$85.94

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 8.1%

New York, NY

$688

Washington, DC

$632

Difference

$55.76

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

New York, NY: NYC Income Tax$5,689/yr (3.8%)

Washington, DC has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$3,120

To$2,150

↓ $970

1 Bed

From$3,270

To$2,215

↓ $1,055

2 Bed

From$3,590

To$2,470

↓ $1,120

3 Bed

From$4,500

To$3,115

↓ $1,385

New York, NYZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,260–$3,990/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.

$13,737

Monthly in New York, NY

$12,140

Monthly in Washington, DC

$1,597

Difference

Home Values

New York

Washington

$1.05M

Median Value

$556K

↓ -0.1%

YoY Change

↓ -2.2%

↓ -5.9%

5-Year Change

↓ -5.6%

$471K - $3.49M

Price Range

$233K - $1.35M

Homes in Washington are 47% less expensive than New York

Calculate payment - New York Calculate payment - Washington

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $1.6K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$134

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.1%

Rate difference

New York, NY

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

New York State Tax

Effective: 6.4%

$9.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.0%

$46.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,620/month

$103.4K

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

New York, NY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:1.2%

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.