Quick answer
Overall prices in the New York, NY metro were 112.6 vs 108.9 in Washington, DC in 2024 (US = 100), so New York is 3.4% more expensive than Washington; housing rents differ by 2% (148.6 vs 151.1). A $75,000 income in New York buys about what $72,549 buys in Washington, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | New York | Washington | New York vs Washington |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 112.6 | 108.9 | +3.4% |
| Goods | 110.3 | 104.8 | +5.2% |
| Housing (rents) | 148.6 | 151.1 | -1.7% |
| Utilities | 127.0 | 106.7 | +19.0% |
| Other services | 105.8 | 102.3 | +3.4% |
| All items, 2008 | 113.5 | 114.8 | -1.1% |
| $50,000 in New York equals in Washington | $48,366 | ||
| $100,000 in New York equals in Washington | $96,732 | ||
| $150,000 in New York equals in Washington | $145,097 |
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Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.