Median rent is 1% lower in Los Angeles ($1,879/mo vs $1,900/mo). Buying is cheaper in Washington, where the median home runs $724,600 versus $879,500. Households earn more in Washington ($106,287 vs $80,366 a year). Taken together, Washington is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 111.2 against 113.3 — about 2% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Washington, DC.
Quick verdict
Washington is 2% cheaper overall
Cost index: 111.2 in Washington vs 113.3 in Los Angeles (US average = 100)
City A
Los Angeles, CA
City B
Washington, DC
How much would you need to earn in Washington, DC to maintain your standard of living from Los Angeles, CA?
Equivalent salary in Washington, DC
$73,609
You could earn $1,391 less (2% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Los Angeles
California
Washington
District of Columbia
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rents are similar in both cities: $1,879/mo in Los Angeles and $1,900/mo in Washington. Median home values are within 18% of each other: $879,500 in Los Angeles and $724,600 in Washington.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
California's top income tax rate is 13.30% versus 10.75% in District of Columbia, so Washington is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 7.25% in California and 6.00% in District of Columbia; Washington has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Los Angeles
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Washington
Income tax: 10.75%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Washington has cleaner air on average: 58.0 AQI (Moderate) compared to 77.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Washington if you prioritize higher median household income ($106,287/yr).
Pick Washington if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 58.0).
Pick Washington if you prioritize lower state income tax (10.75%).
Is Los Angeles cheaper than Washington?
Washington is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 111.2 versus 113.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 2% lower in Washington.
How much is rent in Los Angeles vs Washington?
Median rent is $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, CA and $1,900/mo in Washington, DC. Los Angeles, CA has the lower rent by about 1%.
Which has higher salaries — Los Angeles or Washington?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles, CA and $106,287 in Washington, DC. Washington, DC has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Washington, DC has better air quality on average: 58.0 AQI versus 77.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Los Angeles or Washington?
California's top income tax rate is 13.30% and District of Columbia's is 10.75%. Washington, DC has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Washington to match my Los Angeles income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Los Angeles, CA is equivalent to roughly $98,146 in Washington, DC (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology