Skip to content

Free comparison

Moving from Virginia to District of Columbia

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. DC suburbs, Norfolk shipyards, Blue Ridge. vs. Federal-government nexus, museums, expensive urban living.

VA state flag
Living now

Virginia

Capital: Richmond

Median household income $87,249 · winter low 28°F · 208 sunny days

DC suburbs, Norfolk shipyards, Blue Ridge.

DC
Moving to

District of Columbia

Capital: Washington

Median household income $101,722 · winter low 28°F · 197 sunny days

Federal-government nexus, museums, expensive urban living.

District of Columbia has an overall price level 109.9 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Virginia
101.1
District of Columbia
109.9
District of Columbia has 8.7% higher overall price level
Housing index
Virginia
106.8
District of Columbia
155.0
District of Columbia has 45% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Virginia
100.3
District of Columbia
102.5
District of Columbia has 2.2% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Virginia
100.2
District of Columbia
101.5
District of Columbia has 1.3% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Virginia
17.1 ¢/kWh
District of Columbia
25 ¢/kWh
District of Columbia has 47% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Virginia
100.2
District of Columbia
102.0
District of Columbia has 1.8% higher transportation
Median home value
Virginia
$403,500
District of Columbia
$733,400
District of Columbia is 82% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Virginia
$1,520/mo
District of Columbia
$1,922/mo
District of Columbia is 26% more expensive to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals · EPA AirNow (live) state-level

Summer high 88°F · Winter low 28°F · 197 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Virginia
87°F
District of Columbia
88°F
District of Columbia is 1.1% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Virginia
28°F
District of Columbia
28°F
Avg annual temperature
Virginia
56°F
District of Columbia
57°F
District of Columbia is 2.9% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Virginia
208
District of Columbia
197
District of Columbia has 5.3% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Virginia
44 in
District of Columbia
45 in
District of Columbia is 1.4% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Virginia
41
District of Columbia
47
District of Columbia has 15% higher AQI
Snow / year
Virginia
15 in
District of Columbia
11 in
District of Columbia is 27% less annual snowfall

Get the full VirginiaDistrict of Columbia report

Schools, healthcare, taxes, transportation, lifestyle, crime, family fit, move logistics, AI assistant, and 90-day timeline.

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in District of Columbia than Virginia?

District of Columbia's overall price level is roughly 117.4 (US avg = 100), vs about 100.4 for Virginia — based on BEA Regional Price Parities. Housing is the dominant driver of the difference. Run a comparison for the full, current breakdown.

What's the income tax difference?

Virginia tops out at 5.75% income tax. District of Columbia tops out at 10.75%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in District of Columbia?

Most District of Columbia residents must register a vehicle within 30-60 days of moving. Check the piomover report for state-specific deadlines.

Related comparisons