Skip to content

Free comparison

Moving from Washington to District of Columbia

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Tech (Amazon, MS), no income tax, rainy West side. vs. Federal-government nexus, museums, expensive urban living.

WA state flag
Living now

Washington

Capital: Olympia

Median household income $90,325 · winter low 35°F · 152 sunny days

Tech (Amazon, MS), no income tax, rainy West side.

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
Washington
107.0
District of Columbia
109.9
District of Columbia has 2.7% higher overall price level
Housing index
Washington
126.0
District of Columbia
155.0
District of Columbia has 23% higher housing costs
Groceries index
Washington
101.8
District of Columbia
106.5
District of Columbia has 4.7% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Washington
101.1
District of Columbia
101.5
Electricity rate
Washington
14.4 ¢/kWh
District of Columbia
25.4 ¢/kWh
District of Columbia has 76% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Washington
101.4
District of Columbia
102.0
District of Columbia has 0.6% higher transportation
Median home value
Washington
$602,200
District of Columbia
$733,400
District of Columbia is 22% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Washington
$1,824/mo
District of Columbia
$1,931/mo
District of Columbia is 5.9% more expensive to rent

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

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

Avg summer high
Washington
79°F
District of Columbia
88°F
District of Columbia is 11% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Washington
35°F
District of Columbia
28°F
District of Columbia is 20% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Washington
50°F
District of Columbia
57°F
District of Columbia is 15% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Washington
152
District of Columbia
197
District of Columbia has 30% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Washington
40 in
District of Columbia
45 in
District of Columbia is 12% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Washington
20
District of Columbia
53
District of Columbia has 165% higher AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
Washington
4
District of Columbia
0
District of Columbia has 100% lower felt earthquakes
Snow / year
Washington
29 in
District of Columbia
11 in
District of Columbia is 62% less annual snowfall

Get the full WashingtonDistrict of Columbia report

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

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

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

District of Columbia's overall price level is roughly 117.4 (US avg = 100), vs about 105.8 for Washington, 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?

Washington tops out at 0% 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