Washington vs Raleigh: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison
Washington's median home value is $705,000 — 103% higher than Raleigh's $347,000.
Households earn a median $101,722 in Washington, compared with $78,631 in Raleigh.
Median rent is $1,817 in Washington, compared with $1,371 in Raleigh.
Climate risk is a wash here — both cities carry a "Relatively High" FEMA rating.
| Metric | Washington, DC | Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 670,587 | 465,517 |
| Median home value | $705,000 | $347,000 |
| Median household income | $101,722 | $78,631 |
| Median gross rent | $1,817 | $1,371 |
| Climate risk (FEMA) | Relatively High | Relatively High |
Raleigh, NC comes out ahead on housing affordability versus Washington, DC, with both a lower median home value and lower rent. Housing only — not the full cost-of-living picture.
- Best cities in District of Columbia
- Best cities in North Carolina
- Charlotte vs Raleigh: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison
- Raleigh vs Austin: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison
- Atlanta vs Washington: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey; FEMA National Risk Index
Data last updated July 2026.