Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA vs Washington, DC (2026)

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Washington

District of Columbia
171

Los Angeles is 9% more expensive than Washington.

$1,879/mo ↓ 1%
Median Rent
$1,900/mo ↑ 1%
$80,366/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$106,287/yr ↑ 32%
$879,500 ↑ 21%
Home Value
$724,600 ↓ 18%
$2,055/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$2,103/mo ↑ 2%
3,857,897
Population
672,079

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
10.75%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.56%

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Washington, DC, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 171 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $25,921/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $724,600 in Washington.

District of Columbia has a lower income tax rate, making Washington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Washington — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Washington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Washington is cheaper to live in with an index of 171 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Washington?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Washington it's $1,900/month — a difference of $21/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Washington?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $106,287 in Washington. Median household income is $25,921/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between California and District of Columbia?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax.
Should I move to Los Angeles or Washington?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/mo, while Washington has a cost index of 171 with rent of $1,900/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Los Angeles details → View Washington details →

More Comparisons

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