Cost of Living: Washington, DC vs College Station, TX (2026)

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Washington is 88% more expensive than College Station.

$1,900/mo ↑ 63%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↓ 39%
$106,287/yr ↑ 105%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 51%
$724,600 ↑ 122%
Home Value
$326,500 ↓ 55%
$2,103/mo ↑ 68%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 41%
672,079
Population
122,280

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.56%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $732/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $8,784/year.

Median household income is $54,511/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

Texas has no state income tax, giving College Station residents a significant tax advantage over District of Columbia's 10.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs College Station — common questions

Is Washington or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, College Station is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and College Station?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $732/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or College Station?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $54,511/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and Texas?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Washington details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Washington and College Station

Washington vs. El Paso Washington vs. Boston Washington vs. Nashville Washington vs. Las Vegas Washington vs. Oklahoma City Washington vs. Portland College Station vs. Clovis College Station vs. Independence College Station vs. Arvada College Station vs. Rochester College Station vs. Concord College Station vs. Lafayette