Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $857 in New York versus $1,332 in Washington. Overall, New York runs roughly 36% cheaper on rent than Washington, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $48,050 in New York and $83,857 in Washington — about 43% higher in Washington. New York has a top state income tax rate of 10.90% and a 4% state sales tax; Washington has no state income tax and a 6.5% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
4%
6.5%
+2.5 pp in Washington
Income Tax (top rate)
10.90%
None
+10.9 pp in New York
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$857
$1,332
+55% in Washington
Median Home Value
$152,300
$454,600
+198% in Washington
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$48,050
$83,857
+75% in Washington
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
48.3°F
52.1°F
+3.8°F in Washington
New York vs Washington — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in New York or Washington?
- New York is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $857 runs about 36% below Washington's $1,332, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in New York than in Washington?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $34,000 a year in New York versus $53,000 in Washington.
- Which has lower taxes, New York or Washington?
- New York has a top state income tax rate of 10.90% and a 4% state sales tax. Washington has no state income tax and a 6.5% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in New York/Washington — not population-weighted statewide figures. Taxes are exact state-level rates. Sources: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year; NOAA Climate Normals 1981–2010; Tax Foundation 2026.