Example household · Ann Arbor, MI · $83,730 · same pay · 1 adult

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Ann Arbor vs Washington

Ann Arbor and Washington

Photo: Carol M. Highsmith / Wikimedia, Public domain

Assumed income $83,730, same in both cities. Example, until you change it.

Same pay in both cities. One adult, one bedroom.

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So you know: homicide deaths in Washington are close to the US rate in this release, 6.5 versus 6.5 per 100,000. CDC via County Health Rankings, CDC NVSS 2017–2023 (CHR 2025 release).

Why people look at Ann Arbor to Washington

In 2022-2023, 234 households filed a move from Ann Arbor to Washington (about 285 people, average adjusted gross income $82,551). 144 households went the other way. Source: IRS migration.

A one-bedroom asking rent is about $1,492 in Ann Arbor and $1,916 in Washington. Ann Arbor has a state tax on wages. Washington has a state tax on wages. Local pay in Washington is 124% of the national level for the same work, against 91% in Ann Arbor.

Washington averages 203 sunny days, with July highs around 89°F and January nights around 29°F. Ann Arbor is 173 sunny days, 82°F in July, 23°F in January. Commutes average 34 minutes in Washington and 23 in Ann Arbor.

These figures are projections built from available public data. Conditions change, and the numbers may not reflect current prices, taxes, or immigration rules. Check official sources before you make decisions.

How we figure this

Who already made this move

In 2022-2023, 234 households moved Ann Arbor → Washington (about 285 people, average AGI $82,551). 144 households went the other way.

Source: IRS SOI county-to-county migration. Not a moving company; not a recommendation.

The monthly number is take-home pay minus rent and the other bills. The gap between Ann Arbor and Washington changes with the job, remote or local pay, and bedrooms. How we figure this.

What the move itself costs

About 490 road miles, 1 bedroom. Typical ranges, not quotes.

Full-service mover
$2,100–$3,900
Container or pod
$1,450–$2,700
Rent a truck
$650–$1,250

Movers in Washington and how to hire one →

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Questions

Is Washington cheaper than Ann Arbor after tax and rent?

No. Washington leaves about $772 less a month, so the cost of living is higher there for this household. A one-bedroom is about $1,492 in Ann Arbor and $1,916 in Washington.

Does Washington have state income tax?

Washington is in District of Columbia, which taxes wage income.

Did people actually move from Ann Arbor to Washington?

Yes, when the IRS published that flow. The count and their average income are on this page. Leftover prices the same household in both cities.