55
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
57
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
Washington wins 2–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Washington wins 1–2 overall (57/100)
💰 Washington is more affordable
💼 New York has lower unemployment
🛡️ New York has fewer disasters
📋 New York vs Washington — The Verdict
Washington scores 57.2/100 compared to New York's 55.2/100, winning 2 out of 7 data categories. Housing costs are somewhat comparable, though Washington edges out with slightly lower home prices. New York has a significantly tighter job market with unemployment at 4.6%. For safety-conscious movers, New York has a notably lower disaster history with 5 fewer declarations in 20 years.
💡 Key Differences
💰
Renting in New York saves you $103/month — that's $1,236 per year.
💵
Households in Washington earn $25,115 more per year (33% higher median income).
📊
New York has a 2.1 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🛡️
New York has experienced 5 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$732,100
$705,000
Median Rent /mo
$1,714
$1,817
Median Income
$76,607
$101,722
Housing costs are remarkably similar between these two cities — just 4% apart on median home values. Your decision here will likely come down to other factors like jobs and climate.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
6.7%
New York has a substantially stronger job market with unemployment 2.1 percentage points lower. If you're relocating without a job lined up, this difference matters.
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)
9
14
Hurricane Risk
High
Moderate
New York has a markedly lower disaster history — 5 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from New York to Washington: Common Questions
Is New York or Washington cheaper to live in?
Washington is more affordable overall. Home prices are $27,100 lower in Washington. Monthly rent is $1,714 in New York vs $1,817 in Washington.
Does New York or Washington have better weather?
Washington scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is New York or Washington better for finding a job?
New York currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in New York vs 6.7% in Washington. Median household income is $76,607 in New York and $101,722 in Washington.
Which city is safer — New York or Washington?
In terms of natural disaster risk, New York is safer. New York has had 9 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 14 in Washington. New York scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Washington.
Should I move from New York to Washington?
Based on our data, Washington scores 57.2/100 vs New York's 55.2/100 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.