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Moving from Washington to New York

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Tech (Amazon, MS), no income tax, rainy West side. vs. NYC global capital + huge upstate, high taxes, top healthcare.

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.

NY state flag
Moving to

New York

Capital: Albany

Median household income $81,386 · winter low 24°F · 184 sunny days

NYC global capital + huge upstate, high taxes, top healthcare.

New York has an overall price level 107.9 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Washington
107.0
New York
107.9
New York has 0.8% higher overall price level
Housing index
Washington
126.0
New York
122.2
New York has 3.0% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Washington
101.8
New York
102.0
Utilities index (modeled)
Washington
101.1
New York
101.2
Electricity rate
Washington
14.4 ¢/kWh
New York
28.6 ¢/kWh
New York has 98% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Washington
101.4
New York
101.6
Median home value
Washington
$602,200
New York
$449,800
New York is 25% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Washington
$1,641/mo
New York
$1,530/mo
New York is 6.8% cheaper to rent

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

Summer high 84°F · Winter low 24°F · 184 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Washington
79°F
New York
84°F
New York is 6.3% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Washington
35°F
New York
24°F
New York is 31% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Washington
50°F
New York
47°F
New York is 5.4% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Washington
152
New York
184
New York has 21% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Washington
40 in
New York
43 in
New York is 6.8% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Washington
39
New York
39
Snow / year
Washington
29 in
New York
76 in
New York is 162% more annual snowfall

Get the full WashingtonNew York 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 New York than Washington?

New York's overall price level is roughly 109.5 (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. New York tops out at 10.9%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in New York?

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

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