Is Washington, DC cheaper than Seattle, WA?

Based on cost of living data, Washington, DC is 11.6% cheaper than Seattle, WA. This translates to saving $872 per month.

What salary do I need in Washington, DC to live like I do in Seattle, WA?

If you earn $150,000 in Seattle, WA, you'd need approximately $139,534.884 in Washington, DC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Seattle, WA and Washington, DC?

Housing in Washington, DC is 17.6% cheaper than in Seattle, WA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,470/month in Washington, DC compared to $2,630/month in Seattle, WA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Seattle, WA to Washington, DC?

Moving from Seattle, WA to Washington, DC could save you approximately $872 per month, or $10465 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Seattle, WA

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Washington, DC

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Seattle, WA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $872/month moving to Washington, DC

$150.0K in your current city equals $139.5K in Washington, DC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area

Overall Cost

↓ 11.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$872

Savings

Annual Impact

$10.5K

Per year

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

Seattle, WA

Population:749K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$808K

Washington, DC

Population:690K

Cost Index:88

Median Home:$556K

Seattle, WA

The Evergreen State

749K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Oceanic

Notable Facts

•Coffee culture birthplace
•Major tech center
•Pacific Northwest gateway

Major Industries

TechnologyAerospaceMaritime TradeCoffee Industry

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: Seattle, WA vs Washington, DC

Category	Seattle, WA	Washington, DC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$7,536/mo	$6,211/mo	↓ $1,325less	17.6%
🏥Healthcare	$824/mo	$632/mo	↓ $192less	23.3%
📦Other	$1,975/mo	$1,825/mo	↓ $151less	7.6%
⚡All Utilities	$481/mo	$508/mo	↑ $27.32more	5.7%
🚗Transportation	$1,899/mo	$1,885/mo	↓ $13.66less	0.7%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$1,079/mo	→ $0	0.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 17.6%

Seattle, WA

$7,536

Washington, DC

$6,211

Difference

$1,325

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 23.3%

Seattle, WA

$824

Washington, DC

$632

Difference

$192

less

📦Other

↓ 7.6%

Seattle, WA

$1,975

Washington, DC

$1,825

Difference

$151

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 5.7%

Seattle, WA

$481

Washington, DC

$508

Difference

$27.32

🚗Transportation

↓ 0.7%

Seattle, WA

$1,899

Washington, DC

$1,885

Difference

$13.66

less

🛒Groceries

→ 0.0%

Seattle, WA

$1,079

Washington, DC

$1,079

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,180

To$2,150

↓ $30.00

1 Bed

From$2,260

To$2,215

↓ $45.00

2 Bed

From$2,630

To$2,470

↓ $160

3 Bed

From$3,440

To$3,115

↓ $325

Seattle, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,900–$3,210/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.

$13,794

Monthly in Seattle, WA

$12,140

Monthly in Washington, DC

$1,654

Difference

Home Values

Seattle

Washington

$808K

Median Value

$556K

↓ -2.5%

YoY Change

↓ -2.2%

↑ +12.5%

5-Year Change

↓ -5.6%

$433K - $1.34M

Price Range

$233K - $1.35M

Homes in Washington are 31% less expensive than Seattle

Calculate payment - Seattle Calculate payment - Washington

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $11.2K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$929

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

7.4%

Rate difference

Seattle, WA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Washington State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

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

Seattle, WA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.2%

Property Tax:0.9%

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.