Uprootmap
Durham vs Washington
Durham and Washington
Photo: Carol M. Highsmith / Wikimedia, Public domain
Assumed income $83,730, same in both cities. Example, until you change it.
Other cities
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 Durham to Washington
In 2022-2023, 486 households filed a move from Durham to Washington (about 653 people, average adjusted gross income $90,800). 446 households went the other way. Source: IRS migration.
A one-bedroom asking rent is about $1,274 in Durham and $1,916 in Washington. Durham 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 98% in Durham.
Washington averages 203 sunny days, with July highs around 89°F and January nights around 29°F. Durham is 222 sunny days, 89°F in July, 37°F in January. Commutes average 34 minutes in Washington and 24 in Durham.
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.
Who already made this move
In 2022-2023, 486 households moved Durham → Washington (about 653 people, average AGI $90,800). 446 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 Durham and Washington changes with the job, remote or local pay, and bedrooms. How we figure this.
What the move itself costs
About 258 road miles, 1 bedroom. Typical ranges, not quotes.
- Full-service mover
- $1,800–$3,400
- Container or pod
- $1,250–$2,300
- Rent a truck
- $500–$950
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Dig into Washington
Questions
Is Washington cheaper than Durham after tax and rent?
No. Washington leaves about $1,012 less a month, so the cost of living is higher there for this household. A one-bedroom is about $1,274 in Durham 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 Durham 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.