Seattle, WA vs Washington, DC: Cost of Living
Compare the cost of living between Seattle, WA and Washington, DC. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.
Seattle, WA
WA
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 113.7
- Housing RPP
- 154.8
- Goods RPP
- 116.2
- 2-BR median rent
- $2,645/mo
Washington has no state income tax. Sales tax 6.5%+local up to 10.5%.
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 Seattle, WA by about 2.1% (RPP 113.7 to 111.3).
$60,000 in Seattle, WA
-> $58,734
in Washington, DC
$100,000 in Seattle, WA
-> $97,889
in Washington, DC
$150,000 in Seattle, WA
-> $146,834
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 Seattle, WA?
- Washington, DC (RPP 111.3) is cheaper than Seattle, WA (RPP 113.7) by about 2.1%.
- What salary do I need in Washington, DC if I earn $100,000 in Seattle, WA?
- You would need approximately $97,889 in Washington, DC to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Seattle, WA. Formula: $100,000 x (111.3 / 113.7).