Los Angeles, CA vs Washington, DC: Cost of Living
Compare the cost of living between Los Angeles, CA and Washington, DC. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.
Los Angeles, CA
CA
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 113.1
- Housing RPP
- 177
- Goods RPP
- 106.3
- 2-BR median rent
- $2,544/mo
California income tax 1%-13.3%. No city income tax.
Washington, DC
DC
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 111.3
- Housing RPP
- 156.3
- Goods RPP
- 107.2
- 2-BR median rent
- $2,045/mo
DC income tax 4%-10.75%. MD and VA suburbs have own state taxes.
Equivalent salary
Washington, DC is cheaper than Los Angeles, CA by about 1.6% (RPP 113.1 to 111.3).
$60,000 in Los Angeles, CA
-> $59,045
in Washington, DC
$100,000 in Los Angeles, CA
-> $98,408
in Washington, DC
$150,000 in Los Angeles, CA
-> $147,613
in Washington, DC
This tool provides estimates only. Equivalent-salary figures are derived from BLS Regional Price Parities (RPP) and HUD Fair Market Rents — they are averages, not guarantees. Actual cost of living varies by neighborhood, lifestyle, and individual circumstances. Not financial advice.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Washington, DC cheaper or more expensive than Los Angeles, CA?
- Washington, DC (RPP 111.3) is cheaper than Los Angeles, CA (RPP 113.1) by about 1.6%.
- What salary do I need in Washington, DC if I earn $100,000 in Los Angeles, CA?
- You would need approximately $98,408 in Washington, DC to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Los Angeles, CA. Formula: $100,000 x (111.3 / 113.1).