Cost of Living: Washington, DC vs Hampton, VA (2026)

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Hampton

Virginia
88

Washington is 94% more expensive than Hampton.

$1,900/mo ↑ 41%
Median Rent
$1,346/mo ↓ 29%
$106,287/yr ↑ 57%
Median Income
$67,758/yr ↓ 36%
$724,600 ↑ 210%
Home Value
$234,100 ↓ 68%
$2,103/mo ↑ 56%
Owner Costs
$1,347/mo ↓ 36%
672,079
Population
137,334

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.56%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Hampton, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $554/month cheaper in Hampton, saving renters about $6,648/year.

Median household income is $38,529/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $234,100 in Hampton.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Hampton slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs Hampton — common questions

Is Washington or Hampton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hampton is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and Hampton?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in Hampton it's $1,346/month — a difference of $554/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Hampton?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $67,758 in Hampton. Median household income is $38,529/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and Virginia?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or Hampton?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/mo, while Hampton has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,346/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Washington details → View Hampton details →

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