Washington vs Boston: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison
On median home value, Washington comes in at $705,000 — 3% higher than Boston, where the median is $684,900.
Washington's median household income runs $101,722, against $89,212 in Boston.
Washington's median rent sits at $1,817, against $1,981 in Boston.
FEMA rates Washington's natural-hazard risk higher than Boston's: Relatively High versus Relatively Moderate.
| Metric | Washington, DC | Boston, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 670,587 | 665,945 |
| Median home value | $705,000 | $684,900 |
| Median household income | $101,722 | $89,212 |
| Median gross rent | $1,817 | $1,981 |
| Climate risk (FEMA) | Relatively High | Relatively Moderate |
It's a split decision on housing: Boston, MA wins on home value, Washington, DC wins on rent. Neither comes out ahead on both.
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Sources: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey; FEMA National Risk Index
Data last updated July 2026.