CostIndexUSA

Reno, NV vs Washington, DC Cost of Living

Data: BEA Regional Price Parities · Census ACS · 2024

More AffordableNV
Reno
101
overall index
$1,900/mo rent
DC
Washington
108.9
overall index
$2,325/mo rent

Reno is moderately cheaper than Washington — 7.8% lower overall cost of living.

To match an $80,000 salary in Reno, you would need $86,300 in Washington. Calculate your salary ↓

Category Breakdown

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

🏠 Housing+22.3%
Reno
123.5
Washington
151.1
🛒 Groceries+8.8%
Reno
96.3
Washington
104.8
🚗 Transportation+3.6%
Reno
103.7
Washington
107.4
🏥 Healthcare+3.6%
Reno
93.8
Washington
97.2
Utilities+19.5%
Reno
89.3
Washington
106.7

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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

$
Equivalent salary in Washington, DC
$86,300
$6,300 more needed in Washington

Formula: salary × (108.9 ÷ 101) = salary × 1.0782. Based on BEA Regional Price Parities.

Housing Market

Reno, NV

Median Home Price
$551,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,900
Housing Index
123.5
Price-to-Rent Ratio
24.2×

Washington, DC

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

Washington has 22.3% higher housing costs compared to Reno.

Income & Job Market

Reno, NV

Median Household Income
$83,800
Per Capita Income
$47,800
Unemployment Rate
3.8%
Population
264,165
Top Industries
GamingHealthcareManufacturingTechnologyLogistics

Washington, DC

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

Affordability at a Glance

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

Reno, NV
3.7×income-to-rent ratio

73% of income left after rent (median)

Washington, DC
4.4×income-to-rent ratio

77% 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.