Washington, DC vs Seattle, WA Cost of Living (2026)

Washington DC has a cost of living index of 137.7, about 37.7% above the national average. Housing is a major driver here, with a housing index of 204.7. Typical apartment rent is about $3,361 a month, and median home values are around $1,085,511. The median household income is approximately $98,000. This page uses the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria market data.

A $100,000 salary in an average-cost city buys about $72,600 worth of lifestyle in Washington DC. The premium is noticeable, but it is not on the same level as New York or San Francisco. Outside housing, healthcare and miscellaneous costs also run above the national baseline.

Transportation in DC is a genuine advantage relative to many other high-cost cities. The Metro system covers the city and extends into the suburbs, and a large share of government and private-sector workers commute by rail. Monthly Metro passes cost around $100, and many federal employees receive pre-tax transit subsidies. This reduces the need for car ownership, which provides real monthly savings on insurance, parking, and car payments.

DC, Maryland, and Virginia each have their own income tax structures. DC's income tax tops out at 10.75% for high earners and has a 8.5% bracket that begins at $60,000. Maryland adds both state and county income taxes. Virginia's top rate is 5.75%. Workers choosing between DC proper and suburbs in Virginia or Maryland should run the after-tax income numbers, since the difference can be several thousand dollars annually at mid-range salaries.

Seattle has a cost of living index of 144.5, about 44.5% above the national average. Housing is a major driver here, with a housing index of 203.6. Typical apartment rent is about $2,970 a month, and median home values are around $1,119,686. The median household income is approximately $94,000.

A $100,000 salary in an average-cost city buys about $69,200 worth of lifestyle in Seattle. That usually means smaller apartments, tighter savings margins, or a longer commute if you want to keep housing costs in check. Outside housing, transportation and miscellaneous costs also run above the national baseline.

Transportation in Seattle is moderately expensive. The city has expanded its light rail network significantly, and residents in neighborhoods along the Link Light Rail corridor can live without a car. That said, most parts of the metro area still require one, and traffic on key corridors like I-5 and I-90 is among the worst in the country during peak hours. Groceries run about 15% above the national average, and healthcare costs are also slightly elevated.

One practical cost consideration: Seattle's rental market has softened from its 2021 peak but remains tight. New apartment construction has added supply, which has moderated prices slightly in some neighborhoods, particularly those farther from downtown. Renters who are flexible on neighborhood and willing to live a few miles from the city center can find meaningfully better value than those who focus on Capitol Hill, South Lake Union, or Belltown.