Median rent is 17% lower in Washington ($1,581/mo vs $1,900/mo). Buying is cheaper in Washington, where the median home runs $511,100 versus $724,600. Households earn more in Washington ($106,287 vs $94,015 a year). Overall, the two cities have a nearly identical cost of living index (111.2).
City A
Washington, DC
City B
Washington, UT
How much would you need to earn in Washington, UT to maintain your standard of living from Washington, DC?
Equivalent salary in Washington, UT
$75,000
Costs are about the same in both cities.
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
Washington
District of Columbia
Washington
Utah
👥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 rent is modestly lower in Washington at $1,581/mo compared to $1,900/mo in Washington (17% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Washington: the median home is $724,600 versus $511,100 in Washington — 29% more expensive.
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
District of Columbia's top income tax rate is 10.75% versus 4.65% in Utah, so Washington is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.00% in District of Columbia and 4.85% in Utah; Washington has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Washington
Income tax: 10.75%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Washington
Income tax: 4.65%
Sales tax: 4.85%
Air quality data is available for Washington (avg AQI 58.0) but not yet for Washington.
Pick Washington if you prioritize higher median household income ($106,287/yr).
Pick Washington if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,581/mo median).
Pick Washington if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.65%).
Is Washington cheaper than Washington?
Washington is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 111.2 versus 111.2 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Washington.
How much is rent in Washington vs Washington?
Median rent is $1,900/mo in Washington, DC and $1,581/mo in Washington, UT. Washington, UT has the lower rent by about 17%.
Which has higher salaries — Washington or Washington?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington, DC and $94,015 in Washington, UT. 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?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Washington or Washington?
District of Columbia's top income tax rate is 10.75% and Utah's is 4.65%. Washington, UT has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Washington to match my Washington income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Washington, DC is equivalent to roughly $100,000 in Washington, UT (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