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ToolsCheapest NearWashington

Affordable Alternatives to Washington

Cities ranked by lifestyle match — walkability, job market, and cost of living — not just the cheapest price tag.

COL Index153100 = US avg
1BR Rent$3,100/mo
Walk Score77/100
State Income Tax5.8%

Best overall alternatives

Ranked by lifestyle match: savings potential, walkability, and economic opportunity — not just cheapest price.

Best Match
❄️ Minneapolis
Minnesota, MN
31% cheaper
vs. Washington
COL 106
100 = US avg
1BR rent$1,700/mo
Monthly savings$1,400/mo
Walk score70/100
Median income$75K/yr
DetailsCompare
🍕 Chicago
Illinois, IL
30% cheaper
vs. Washington
COL 107
100 = US avg
1BR rent$1,900/mo
Monthly savings$1,200/mo
Walk score78/100
Median income$67K/yr
DetailsCompare
❄️ St. Paul
Minnesota, MN
37% cheaper
vs. Washington
COL 97
100 = US avg
1BR rent$1,500/mo
Monthly savings$1,600/mo
Walk score67/100
Median income$65K/yr
DetailsCompare

Moving to Minneapolis saves you $1,400/mo. Put it to work while you plan.

High-yield savings accounts — top rates today

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Openbank logo
Openbank
Openbank 12-Month CD
4.45%APY
See reviewOpen account
Peak Bank logo
Peak Bank
Peak Bank 12-Month CD
4.42%APY
See reviewOpen account

Eliminate District of Columbia's 5.8% state income tax

These states charge $0 in state income tax. On a $120K salary, that's $6,960/year back in your pocket — before factoring in the lower COL.

🌮 Laredo
No income tax
COL 79
1BR $950/mo
48% cheaper
🌮 El Paso
No income tax
COL 80
1BR $1,050/mo
48% cheaper
🤠 Amarillo
No income tax
COL 80
1BR $950/mo
48% cheaper
🤠 Lubbock
No income tax
COL 81
1BR $1,000/mo
47% cheaper

More monthly income deserves a card that earns it back

No-annual-fee credit cards — earn rewards on every moving expense

Chase logo
Chase
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
1.5%-5% Cash Back
$0 annual fee
See reviewApply
Citi logo
Citi
Citi Custom Cash® Card
1%-5% Cash Back
$0 annual fee
See reviewApply
☐ Compare renters insurance →☐ Auto insurance for your new state →

More affordable metros

All other established metros cheaper than Washington, sorted by cost of living.

🎵 Jackson, MS
COL 791BR $1,000/moSave $2,100/mo on rent48% cheaper
DetailsCompare
🎯 Springfield, MO
COL 791BR $950/moSave $2,150/mo on rent48% cheaper
DetailsCompare
⚙️ Montgomery, AL
COL 811BR $1,050/moSave $2,050/mo on rent47% cheaper
DetailsCompare
🎷 Shreveport, LA
COL 811BR $1,000/moSave $2,100/mo on rent47% cheaper
DetailsCompare
🌻 Toledo, OH
COL 811BR $1,050/moSave $2,050/mo on rent47% cheaper
DetailsCompare
🏁 Fort Wayne, IN
COL 811BR $1,000/moSave $2,100/mo on rent47% cheaper
DetailsCompare

Washington at a glance

153
COL index
100 = US avg
$3,100
1BR rent
per month
$650K
Home price
median
5.8%
State tax
income

Cities with similar cost of living

Seattle, WACOL: 150San Diego, CACOL: 148Bellevue, WACOL: 148Long Beach, CACOL: 148

COL data: Numbeo, Zillow, BLS · Walk scores: Walk Score® · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only