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Los Angeles vs Washington: prices, pay and housing
| Los Angeles, CA | Washington, DC | |
|---|---|---|
| BEA price parity (U.S. = 100) | 113.6 | 108.9 |
| Average salary, all jobs | $77,270 | $91,930 |
| Median salary, all jobs | $55,850 | $71,060 |
| Average salary adjusted for prices | $68,040 | $84,429 |
| Take-home on the average salary* | $60,080 | $68,657 |
| Typical home value | $968,608 | $583,013 |
| Median household income | $93,525 | $123,896 |
| Home price / household income | 10.4 | 4.7 |
| Metro population | 13,012,469 | 6,263,796 |
*Single filer, federal and state income tax and FICA (2026 rules); city income taxes included where we model them.
Compare with another city or state
Equivalent salary: Los Angeles to Washington
To keep the same standard of living when moving from Los Angeles to Washington, multiply your salary by 0.959.
| Salary in Los Angeles | Same buying power in Washington |
|---|---|
| $50,000 in Los Angeles | $47,939 in Washington |
| $75,000 in Los Angeles | $71,908 in Washington |
| $100,000 in Los Angeles | $95,877 in Washington |
| $150,000 in Los Angeles | $143,816 in Washington |
| $200,000 in Los Angeles | $191,755 in Washington |
Salaries for common jobs in Los Angeles and Washington
| Job | Los Angeles | Washington | Adjusted for prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| General and Operations Managers | $157,110 | $163,620 | $138,342 / $150,270 |
| Business Operations Specialists, All Other | $98,460 | $113,390 | $86,698 / $104,138 |
| Software Developers | $161,900 | $153,100 | $142,560 / $140,608 |
| Retail Salespersons | $43,010 | $39,600 | $37,872 / $36,369 |
| Management Analysts | $121,700 | $145,310 | $107,162 / $133,454 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | $41,080 | $35,550 | $36,173 / $32,649 |
| Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | $43,050 | $39,660 | $37,907 / $36,424 |
| Cashiers | $39,550 | $36,630 | $34,826 / $33,641 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $35,890 | $39,110 | $31,603 / $35,919 |
| Lawyers | $241,500 | $226,780 | $212,652 / $208,277 |
| Registered Nurses | $140,370 | $104,590 | $123,602 / $96,056 |
| Waiters and Waitresses | $42,640 | $51,820 | $37,546 / $47,592 |
| Managers, All Other | $178,570 | $176,670 | $157,239 / $162,255 |
| Accountants and Auditors | $99,740 | $113,640 | $87,826 / $104,368 |
| Security Guards | $43,880 | $54,430 | $38,638 / $49,989 |
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Average salary vs. price-adjusted salary
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Los Angeles vs Washington: questions
Is Los Angeles more expensive than Washington?
Yes. BEA prices are 113.6 in Los Angeles, CA and 108.9 in Washington, DC (U.S. = 100).
What salary do I need in Washington to match $100,000 in Los Angeles?
About $95,877, before taxes.
Where do salaries go further, Los Angeles or Washington?
Washington, DC: once prices are counted, its average salary buys more.
Sources and how to read this page
- Cost of living: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (RPP), 2024; 100 = U.S. average.
- Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates for metropolitan areas.
- Home values: Zillow Home Value Index; income and population: Census ACS 5-year 2023.
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