Boston and Washington, D.C. are vibrant cities steeped in American history with many qualities that make them both appealing places to live or visit. Comparatively, Washington, D.C. holds the political stage, with its diverse economy heavily influenced by the government sector. Boston, on the other hand, is known for its world-class education and healthcare facilities. Although both are excellent choices, weighing out different factors such as cost of living, tax policies, infrastructure, cultural and sporting opportunities, and more will help in making a decision more suitable for individual needs.
Distance between
Washington, DC and
Boston, MA : 389.7 miles
Washington's population is larger by 2%. Its population has grown by 97,991 people (17.1%) since 2000. The population of Boston has grown by 65,635 people (11.1%) during that time.
Washington, D.C. and Boston are major cities, and like many large urban areas, they do have issues with crime. DC has been improving significantly over the years, but their crime rate is still higher than the national average. Neighborhoods vary greatly in terms of safety, with some areas experiencing more crime than others. As for Boston, it has lower crime rates compared to other cities of its size, although, again, safety can vary by neighborhood.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 1,072 registered sex offenders living in Washington and 331 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Washington is 635 to 1; the ratio in Boston is 2,033 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is much larger in Washington than that in Boston.
Cost of Living
In terms of cost of living, both cities are expensive, but D.C. is marginally more so. Housing is the biggest factor in the cost of living difference. Boston still ranks above the national average but is less costly than D.C., especially when comparing housing costs.
Income Tax
For income tax, both locations have multiple brackets which vary on income levels. Washington, D.C. rates can go as high as 8.95% while Massachusetts has a flat rate of 5%.
Property Tax
Property taxes in both cities can be considerably high because of their high property values. Boston has a lower rate on average, but Massachusetts imposes higher property tax rates than D.C.
Sales Tax
Washington, D.C. has a city sales tax of 6%, which applies to most purchases. On the other hand, Boston has a lower state sales tax at 6.25%. Both cities offer exceptions on certain necessities like groceries and prescription drugs.
Income
Type
Washington
Boston
Estimated median household income
$90,088
$79,283
Estimated per capita income
$65,808
$50,337
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
124.2
143.8
If you make $50,000 in Washington, you will have to make $57,890 in Boston to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Boston is located on the eastern Massachusetts coast, with numerous beaches and waterfront neighborhoods. Washington, D.C. lies on the Potomac River, and is notable for its expansive parkland and monumental architecture.
Both cities are renowned for their educational institutions. Boston is home to several world-class colleges and universities, such as Harvard and MIT. Washington, D.C. also hosts reputable universities, like Georgetown, and has a good number of magnet and charter schools offering a solid K-12 education.
In terms of work and economy, both cities have thriving job markets. Washington, D.C.'s economy is heavily influenced by the federal government. Boston's economy is more diverse, with dominant sectors in healthcare, education, finance, and technology.
Biggest Employers
In Boston, the largest employers are Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Boston University. In Washington, D.C., unsurprisingly, the top employer is the federal government that includes a plethora of interconnected agencies and departments.
There were 376 building permits issued in Washington in 2012 (149 more than in 2011) compared to 53 building permits issued in Boston in 2012 (20 more than in 2011).
In Washington (District of Columbia), 90.9% voted for Democrats and 7.3% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Boston (Suffolk County), 77.4% voted for Democrats and 20.8% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Washington
Boston
Washington
Boston
Washington
Boston
2020
92.6%
80.6%
5.4%
17.5%
2.0%
1.9%
2016
90.9%
78.5%
4.1%
16.1%
5.0%
5.4%
2012
90.9%
77.4%
7.3%
20.8%
1.8%
1.8%
2008
92.5%
76.9%
6.5%
21.2%
1.0%
1.8%
2004
89.6%
75.9%
9.4%
22.8%
1.0%
1.3%
2000
85.2%
71.5%
9.0%
20.5%
5.9%
8.0%
1996
85.2%
73.0%
9.3%
19.9%
5.5%
7.0%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Washington
Boston
Washington
Boston
CATHOLIC CHURCH
12.6%
46.1%
7.4%
12.4%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
6.2%
1.2%
10.3%
8.9%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
4.4%
0.6%
10.3%
6.9%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
3.1%
1.0%
5.3%
4.7%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.9%
0.7%
1.8%
4.0%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.7%
1.1%
1.1%
2.4%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.5%
0.0%
2.1%
0.7%
Weather
Climate-wise, both cities experience all four seasons. However, Boston has harsher winters with more snowfall and slightly cooler overall temperatures. Washington, D.C., on the other hand, is known for its humid summers. Autumn in both cities is often considered the best time of year, offering comfortable temperatures and colorful foliage.
Weather and climate
Type
Washington
Boston
Temperature - Average
56.4°F
50.6°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
68.8%
69.9%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
33%
23.1%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
81%
78%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
48%
55%
Precipitation - Yearly average
42.7 in
46.3 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
32.4 in
88.3 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
15.9%
16.4%
Sunshine amount - Average
61.5%
63.7%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
21%
20%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
66%
68%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
45%
48%
Wind speed - Average
9.7 mph
12.5 mph
Average climate in Washington, District of Columbia
Average climate in Boston, Massachusetts
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Washington
Boston
Washington
Boston
Washington
Boston
Washington
Boston
Washington
Washington
Washington
Boston
Washington
Boston
2018
88
76
0.32
0.24
11.6
12.3
23.2
26.1
N/A
N/A
16.4
N/A
8.8
9.2
0.8
0.5
2017
84
83
0.32
0.26
12.3
12.5
24.9
26.4
N/A
N/A
16.5
N/A
9.8
8.9
1.0
0.6
2016
98
75
0.43
0.27
14.7
14.1
24.6
24.4
0.002
N/A
17.2
N/A
9.5
7.4
1.0
0.5
2015
91
81
0.34
0.30
14.8
15.7
26.2
23.4
0.002
N/A
17.0
N/A
10.4
8.9
1.3
0.8
2014
85
76
0.33
0.30
11.6
14.0
25.9
24.5
0.002
N/A
17.1
N/A
10.0
9.3
1.0
1.2
2013
88
86
0.34
0.30
11.7
13.5
25.6
26.2
0.002
N/A
17.3
N/A
11.6
9.8
1.0
1.3
2012
103
89
0.58
0.29
15.2
11.8
27.6
23.5
0.002
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.2
9.5
1.6
1.4
2011
105
87
0.67
0.30
15.4
14.8
27.7
24.2
0.002
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.4
10.5
3.1
1.6
2010
114
92
0.88
0.26
15.9
13.8
29.3
25.0
0.003
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.3
10.0
3.4
2.3
2009
90
86
0.86
0.32
16.2
15.3
24.4
23.5
0.002
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.6
9.7
4.6
2.4
2008
103
96
1.23
0.26
16.2
16.6
25.3
22.9
0.003
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.5
12.4
5.6
3.8
2007
113
124
1.17
0.28
16.8
18.5
27.1
19.9
0.004
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.4
13.9
5.1
4.0
2006
114
103
1.11
0.38
17.2
15.8
25.5
20.9
0.004
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.9
12.5
4.5
3.5
2005
105
115
0.86
0.28
20.5
17.0
22.7
22.1
0.006
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.7
12.7
4.5
4.3
2004
113
104
0.62
0.26
21.3
15.6
20.6
22.5
0.004
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.3
13.7
6.5
4.6
2003
108
116
0.90
0.55
23.6
20.1
20.8
22.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.2
14.5
8.3
5.2
2002
125
130
1.16
0.35
23.7
19.8
25.0
21.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.5
6.7
5.0
2001
113
112
1.07
0.44
23.9
19.9
22.0
20.7
0.017
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.6
6.7
5.9
2000
115
88
1.17
0.57
20.2
18.8
19.1
19.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.0
8.2
5.6
Natural disasters
Type
Washington
Boston
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
110.6%
55.3%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
42.9%
26.6%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
19%
33%
Transportation
Both cities provide extensive public transportation systems. Boston's MBTA and D.C.'s Metro system offer subway, bus, and commuter rail options. Traffic in both cities can be heavy, especially during rush hours, but many residents find commuting manageable with public transit.
Transport
Type
Washington
Boston
Amtrak stations
1
3
Amtrak stations nearby
3
3
FAA registered aircraft
456
224
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
3
4
Means of transportation to work
Type
Washington
Boston
Bicycle
2%
1.7%
Bus
6.3%
7.1%
Carpooled
7.8%
6.8%
Car alone
62.5%
54.7%
Ferryboat
0%
0.2%
Railroad
0.3%
0.5%
Streetcar
10.6%
13.5%
Subway
1.3%
3.2%
Taxicab
0.8%
0.4%
Walked
5.7%
10%
Average travel time to work
Type
Washington
Boston
Average
39.2 min
38.6 min
Other means
26 min
26.1 min
Public transportation
38.9 min
38.6 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Washington
Boston
Average
1.1
1.2
Drove alone
89.4%
87.1%
In 2 person carpool
9.7%
10.1%
In 3 person carpool
0.6%
1.7%
In 4 person carpool
0.4%
0.4%
In 5-6 person carpool
0%
0.2%
In 7+ person carpool
0%
0.5%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
The real-estate market in both cities is highly competitive with high property values. Washington, D.C. real estate is slightly more expensive on average than in Boston, but both cities offer a range of housing options, from downtown apartments to suburban homes.
Neighborhoods
Both cities boast a variety of neighborhoods each with its own character. In DC, neighborhoods like Georgetown and Capitol Hill are favored by many for their charming architecture and historical significance. Boston's Back Bay and Beacon Hill offer similar charm with their historic brownstones and cobbled streets.
Houses and residents
Type
Washington
Boston
Houses
357,482
307,025
Average household size (people)
2.1
2.3
Median year apartment built
1965
1957
Length of stay in the house since moving in
13.5 years
14.6 years
Houses occupied
319,565 (89.4%)
271,941 (88.6%)
Houses occupied by owners
132,936 (41.6%)
94,497 (34.7%)
Houses occupied by renters
186,629 (58.4%)
177,444 (65.3%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$2,791
$2,632
Median monthly housing costs
$1,817
$1,883
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$996,150
$1,040,328
Estimated median house or condo value
$669,900
$659,700
Median numbers of rooms
3.8
4.3
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.1
3.9
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6
5.4
Median house price - detached houses
Over $1,000,000
$683,896
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$639,493
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$471,443
$745,440
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$527,983
$986,433
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$817,288
Over $1,000,000
Median house price - All housing units
$790,542
$793,380
Median house age
65
73
Renting percentage
58%
66.1%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
5,821.9
6,340.1
House value disparities
26.7%
23.5%
Household income disparities
45.7%
48.2%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$163,111
$138,364
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$108,852
$97,179
Housing units without a mortgage
777 (0.8%)
1,250 (1.8%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
8,586 (8.5%)
7,686 (11.2%)
Housing units with a mortgage
100,122 (99.2%)
67,144 (98.2%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
1,057 (1%)
218 (0.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
12,793 (12.7%)
9,540 (13.9%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
10
12
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
3
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.5%
1.4%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.5%
0.7%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Washington
Boston
One, detached
11.2%
12.0%
One, attached
22.2%
6.4%
Two
2.7%
11.9%
3 or 4
6.8%
24.1%
5 to 9
7.3%
11.2%
10 to 19
8.5%
7.2%
20 to 49
7.6%
8.0%
50 or more
33.6%
19.0%
Mobile homes
0.2%
0.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
16,654
11,605
State government workers
6,699
12,810
Unpaid family workers
580
303
Industries and Occupations
Federal government jobs dominate in DC, while Boston offers a wider range of industries, including health care, education, and biotechnology. Both cities are attractive destinations for people in these professions.
Both cities are known for their top-notch healthcare facilities. Boston has an exceptional health care sector, home to some of the best hospitals in the country. Washington, D.C. also offers high-quality healthcare, with a wide selection of top-rated hospitals and specialty centers.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Washington
Boston
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Both cities have a strong infrastructure with historical landmarks. D.C. has a planned city layout often appreciated for its wide streets and roundabouts. Boston, on the other hand, is well-known for its waterfront locations and walkable downtown.
Infrastructure
Type
Washington
Boston
Hospitals
114
22
TV stations
27
22
Arenas or stadiums
4
3
Bank branches located here
247
146
Bank institutions located here
34
37
Main business address for public companies
30
60
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
5
2
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Washington
Boston
1999
1,328
1,237
2000
1,438
1,140
2001
935
947
2002
886
975
2003
1,319
1,536
2004
2,281
2,273
2005
2,920
3,225
2006
3,362
3,567
2007
2,548
2,652
2008
1,095
1,372
2009
514
910
Culture and Food
Both cities are culturally rich with unique dining experiences. D.C. is known for its mix of international cuisine reflecting its diverse demographics. Boston is famous for its New England seafood, particularly lobster and clam chowder.
Sports Teams
Sports fans will find plenty to cheer about in both cities. Boston is home to the renowned Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins, and Patriots. D.C. hosts the Redskins, Capitals, Wizards, and Nationals.
Washington, DC
Boston, MA
Washington, DC and 
Boston, MA : 389.7 miles
