New York vs Washington
Side-by-side cost of living comparison.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
4%
6.5%
+2.5 pp in Washington
Income Tax (top rate)
10.90%
None
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
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.