Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,705 in New York versus $1,858 in Washington. Overall, New York runs roughly 8% cheaper on rent than Washington, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $79,713 in New York and $121,984 in Washington — about 35% 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
$1,705
$1,858
+9% in Washington
Median Home Value
$751,700
$912,100
+21% in Washington
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$79,713
$121,984
+53% in Washington
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
55.0°F
53.5°F
+1.5°F in New York
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 $1,705 runs about 8% below Washington's $1,858, 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 $68,000 a year in New York versus $74,000 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 1/1 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.