CostIndexUSA

Washington, DC vs York, PA Cost of Living

Data: BEA Regional Price Parities · Census ACS · 2024

DC
Washington
108.9
overall index
$2,325/mo rent
More AffordablePA
York
96
overall index
$1,300/mo rent

York is moderately cheaper than Washington — 11.8% lower overall cost of living.

To match an $80,000 salary in Washington, you would need $70,500 in York. Calculate your salary ↓

Category Breakdown

Index values: 100 = U.S. national average. Higher = more expensive.

🏠 Housing47.2%
Washington
151.1
York
79.8
🛒 Groceries3.9%
Washington
104.8
York
100.7
🚗 Transportation4.5%
Washington
107.4
York
102.6
🏥 Healthcare4.5%
Washington
97.2
York
92.8
Utilities≈ Equal
Washington
106.7
York
107

Salary Equivalency Calculator

Enter your current salary in Washington to see what you'd need to earn in York to maintain the same purchasing power.

$
Equivalent salary in York, PA
$70,500
$9,500 less needed in York

Formula: salary × (96 ÷ 108.9) = salary × 0.8815. Based on BEA Regional Price Parities.

Housing Market

Washington, DC

Median Home Price
$567,000
Median Monthly Rent
$2,325
Housing Index
151.1
Price-to-Rent Ratio
20.3×

York, PA

Median Home Price
$297,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,300
Housing Index
79.8
Price-to-Rent Ratio
19.0×

Washington has 47.2% lower housing costs compared to York.

Income & Job Market

Washington, DC

Median Household Income
$121,500
Per Capita Income
$69,300
Unemployment Rate
4%
Population
689,545
Top Industries
GovernmentFinanceTechnologyHealthcareDefense

York, PA

Median Household Income
$81,400
Per Capita Income
$46,400
Unemployment Rate
3.9%
Population
44,619
Top Industries
ManufacturingHealthcareRetailEducationAgriculture

Affordability at a Glance

Income-to-rent ratio: higher is better (more income relative to housing costs).

Washington, DC
4.4×income-to-rent ratio

77% of income left after rent (median)

York, PA
5.2×income-to-rent ratio

81% of income left after rent (median)

Data Sources: Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parities 2024; U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS); Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Local Area Unemployment Statistics; Zillow Research.

Cost indices use 100 as the U.S. national average. Values above 100 indicate costs above the national average. Data is updated annually.

This data is for informational purposes only and should not be used as the sole basis for relocation or financial decisions.