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Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA vs Washington, DC

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

4.4% Washington, DC is cheaper overall
9.0% 9.0% cheaper housing
1.8% 1.8% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 9.0% cheaper
Los Angeles
178
Washington
162
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Los Angeles
110
Washington
108
🚗 Transportation 2.4% cheaper
Los Angeles
125
Washington
122
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Los Angeles
112
Washington
110
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Los Angeles
105
Washington
105

Detailed Breakdown

Category Los Angeles, CA Washington, DC Difference
Overall Cost Index1361304.4% less
Housing1781629.0% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,500$2,20012.0% less
Median Home Price$880,000$620,00029.5% less
Groceries110108~Same
Transportation1251222.4% less
Healthcare112110~Same
Utilities105105~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Los Angeles, CA Washington, DC
State Income Tax13.30% (top)10.75% (top)
State Sales Tax7.25%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.71%0.56%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Los Angeles, CA
$95,000
Median household income
Washington, DC
$105,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Washington outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Washington to maintain your Los Angeles lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Los Angeles (136) vs Washington (130). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Los Angeles5.4%
Washington4.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Los Angeles2.5%
Washington2.4%
Top Industries
Los AngelesEntertainment, Tech, Healthcare
WashingtonGovernment, Defense, Consulting

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Los Angeles33 min
Washington34 min
Walk Score
Los Angeles67
Washington77
Air Quality (AQI)
Los Angeles62
Washington42
Avg Temperature
Los Angeles66°F
Washington57°F
Population
Los Angeles3,898,747
Washington689,545

Moving from Los Angeles to Washington?

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Los Angeles and Washington → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Washington →

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Los Angeles or Washington cheaper to live in?+
Washington is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 9.0%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Los Angeles vs Washington?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,500/month in Los Angeles and $2,200/month in Washington — a difference of about $300 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Los Angeles or Washington?+
California has a state income tax of 13.30% (top) and sales tax of 7.25%. District of Columbia has a state income tax of 10.75% (top) and sales tax of 6.00%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Los Angeles to Washington?+
Median household income in Los Angeles is $95,000 compared to $105,000 in Washington. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Los Angeles vs Washington?+
The median home price in Los Angeles is $880,000 versus $620,000 in Washington — a difference of $260,000. Property tax rates also differ: California averages 0.71% while District of Columbia averages 0.56%.