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

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Irvine

California
256

Washington is 33% cheaper than Irvine.

$1,900/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$2,893/mo ↑ 52%
$106,287/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$129,647/yr ↑ 22%
$724,600 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$1,115,400 ↑ 54%
$2,103/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$2,904/mo ↑ 38%
672,079
Population
308,160

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Irvine, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 256 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $993/month cheaper in Washington, saving renters about $11,916/year.

Median household income is $23,360/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $1,115,400 in Irvine.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs Irvine — common questions

Is Washington or Irvine cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Washington is cheaper to live in with an index of 171 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and Irvine?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in Irvine it's $2,893/month — a difference of $993/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Irvine?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $129,647 in Irvine. Median household income is $23,360/year higher in Irvine.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and California?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or Irvine?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/mo, while Irvine has a cost index of 256 with rent of $2,893/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Washington details → View Irvine details →

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