47
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
57
Overall Score /100
Wins 4 of 7 categories
Washington wins 4–0
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Washington wins 0–4 overall (57/100)
💰 Washington is more affordable
💼 Los Angeles has lower unemployment
🛡️ Washington has fewer disasters
📋 Los Angeles vs Washington — The Verdict
Washington scores 57.2/100 compared to Los Angeles's 47.5/100, winning 4 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Washington has a clear edge with home prices 14% lower. Los Angeles has a significantly tighter job market with unemployment at 5.5%. For safety-conscious movers, Washington has a notably lower disaster history with 40 fewer declarations in 20 years.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Washington are 14% lower — a difference of $117,600 in median home value.
💵
Households in Washington earn $25,478 more per year (33% higher median income).
📊
Los Angeles has a 1.2 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🛡️
Washington has experienced 40 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$822,600
$705,000
Median Rent /mo
$1,791
$1,817
Median Income
$76,244
$101,722
Washington edges out Los Angeles on housing costs by 14%, a difference of $117,600. Factor in rent and utilities to get the complete affordability picture.
Unemployment Rate
5.5%
6.7%
Both cities offer competitive employment, with Los Angeles having a slight edge at 5.5% unemployment. Industry fit may matter more than the overall rate.
Air Quality (AQI)
0
4 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Environmental conditions are broadly similar between the two cities based on current EPA monitoring data.
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
❌ No
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Disasters (20 years)
54
14
Hurricane Risk
Low
Moderate
Washington has a markedly lower disaster history — 40 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Los Angeles to Washington: Common Questions
Is Los Angeles or Washington cheaper to live in?
Washington is more affordable overall. Home prices are $117,600 lower in Washington. Monthly rent is $1,791 in Los Angeles vs $1,817 in Washington.
Does Los Angeles or Washington have better weather?
Washington scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Los Angeles or Washington better for finding a job?
Los Angeles currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 5.5% in Los Angeles vs 6.7% in Washington. Median household income is $76,244 in Los Angeles and $101,722 in Washington.
Which city is safer — Los Angeles or Washington?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Washington is safer. Los Angeles has had 54 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 14 in Washington. Los Angeles scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Washington.
Should I move from Los Angeles to Washington?
Based on our data, Washington scores 57.2/100 vs Los Angeles's 47.5/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Washington is more affordable, while Washington has a better climate.
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📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals,
EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data.
Last updated: April 4, 2026.