Washington, DC, the US capital, and Buffalo, NY, the "City of Light," offer unique living experiences to residents and enigmatic charms to tourists. Each city is enriched with its characterful neighborhoods, diverse climatic conditions, and distinctive opportunities in education, healthcare, and the economy. Both are connected with dynamic transit systems however, the cost of living, tax rates, job prospects, and crime rates draw a line between them. Let's explore the contrasts and similarities between the two cities, which can be helpful for both potential relocators and travellers.
Distance between
Washington, DC and
Buffalo, NY : 291.9 miles
Washington's population is larger by 142%. Its population has grown by 97,991 people (17.1%) since 2000. The population of Buffalo has decreased by 15,841 people (5.4%) during that time.
Safety is a concern for both residents and tourists. Crime rate wise, Buffalo has a higher crime rate compared to the national average, while Washington, DC's crime rate is significantly higher than both Buffalo and the national average, including violent crimes. However, careful and informed choices about neighborhoods can mitigate some concerns.
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 720 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Washington is 635 to 1; the ratio in Buffalo is 357 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a smaller in Washington than in Buffalo.
Cost of Living
Washington, DC is vastly more expensive in terms of cost of living compared to Buffalo. Housing is the biggest factor in the cost of living difference. Utility costs, groceries, and healthcare also contribute to DC's higher cost indicator.
Income Tax
In terms of state income tax, neither DC nor Buffalo have a flat rate—both use a system of brackets based on income. DC income tax rates range from 4% to 8.95%, while New York State income tax rates go from 4% to 8.82%.
Property Tax
Property tax is an essential consideration for homeowners. While both cities have reassessment systems, the rates differ. DC homeowners can expect property tax rates around 0.56%, while in Buffalo it hovers around 1.70%.
Sales Tax
Washington, DC levies a sales tax of 5.75%, lower than Buffalo where the combined city and state sales tax is 8.75%.
Income
Type
Washington
Buffalo
Estimated median household income
$90,088
$40,669
Estimated per capita income
$65,808
$27,269
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
124.2
101.9
If you make $50,000 in Buffalo, you will have to make $60,942 in Washington to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Geography is a stark difference as DC lies along the Potomac River with a warmer coastal climate, while Buffalo is located on the eastern shores of Lake Erie with cold and snowy winters.
Speaking of education, DC boasts some of the nation's best universities such as Georgetown and George Washington. Buffalo is also an educational hub, home to the University at Buffalo and Buffalo State College. Public school systems in both cities have struggled historically but have seen some improvements in recent years.
Both cities have robust economies. The DC area is infused with federal government jobs, while Buffalo has a diversified economy with sectors like healthcare, education, and manufacturing sector dominating. Note that unemployment rates in Washington, DC are generally lower than Buffalo's.
Biggest Employers
The Federal government is the top employer in Washington, DC, while in Buffalo, healthcare entities like Kaleida Health and the Catholic Health System provide the most job opportunities.
There were 376 building permits issued in Washington in 2012 (149 more than in 2011) compared to 35 building permits issued in Buffalo in 2012 (29 more than in 2011).
In Washington (District of Columbia), 90.9% voted for Democrats and 7.3% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Buffalo (Erie County), 57.4% voted for Democrats and 41.0% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Washington
Buffalo
Washington
Buffalo
Washington
Buffalo
2020
92.6%
56.3%
5.4%
41.6%
2.0%
2.1%
2016
90.9%
51.0%
4.1%
44.5%
5.0%
4.5%
2012
90.9%
57.4%
7.3%
41.0%
1.8%
1.6%
2008
92.5%
58.2%
6.5%
40.6%
1.0%
1.3%
2004
89.6%
56.5%
9.4%
41.5%
1.0%
1.9%
2000
85.2%
56.7%
9.0%
37.8%
5.9%
5.5%
1996
85.2%
54.7%
9.3%
32.3%
5.5%
13.0%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Washington
Buffalo
Washington
Buffalo
CATHOLIC CHURCH
12.6%
38.4%
7.4%
15.8%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
6.2%
0.8%
10.3%
3.6%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
4.4%
0.2%
10.3%
2.5%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
3.1%
0.8%
5.3%
4.4%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.9%
0.1%
1.8%
0.6%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.7%
1.8%
1.1%
1.9%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.5%
1.7%
2.1%
4.9%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.1%
0.9%
0.3%
3.3%
Weather
The weather varies greatly between the two cities. Buffalo is known for its frigid winters and heavy snow, while Washington, DC offers a more moderate climate with humid summers and mild winters. Buffalo’s winter might not be ideal for tourists, but it gives winter sports enthusiasts ample opportunities.
Weather and climate
Type
Washington
Buffalo
Temperature - Average
56.4°F
47.7°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
68.8%
76.3%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
33%
28%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
81%
83%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
48%
55%
Precipitation - Yearly average
42.7 in
38.7 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
32.4 in
183.7 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
15.9%
8.9%
Sunshine amount - Average
61.5%
51.3%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
21%
43%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
66%
66%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
45%
23%
Wind speed - Average
9.7 mph
11.2 mph
Average climate in Washington, District of Columbia
Average climate in Buffalo, New York
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Washington
Buffalo
Washington
Buffalo
Washington
Buffalo
Washington
Buffalo
Washington
Buffalo
Washington
Washington
Buffalo
Washington
Buffalo
2018
88
62
0.32
0.26
11.6
N/A
23.2
30.2
N/A
N/A
16.4
N/A
8.8
7.5
0.8
0.4
2017
84
68
0.32
0.32
12.3
N/A
24.9
29.8
N/A
N/A
16.5
N/A
9.8
7.5
1.0
0.4
2016
98
71
0.43
0.30
14.7
N/A
24.6
31.7
0.002
N/A
17.2
N/A
9.5
7.7
1.0
0.5
2015
91
69
0.34
0.35
14.8
N/A
26.2
30.2
0.002
N/A
17.0
N/A
10.4
8.8
1.3
1.1
2014
85
69
0.33
0.39
11.6
N/A
25.9
30.7
0.002
N/A
17.1
N/A
10.0
8.6
1.0
1.5
2013
88
73
0.34
0.33
11.7
N/A
25.6
31.4
0.002
N/A
17.3
N/A
11.6
9.0
1.0
2.4
2012
103
83
0.58
0.34
15.2
6.4
27.6
30.5
0.002
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.2
9.4
1.6
2.7
2011
105
82
0.67
0.41
15.4
8.3
27.7
28.8
0.002
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.4
8.9
3.1
2.0
2010
114
85
0.88
0.35
15.9
8.3
29.3
30.6
0.003
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.3
10.3
3.4
1.5
2009
90
78
0.86
0.28
16.2
7.4
24.4
28.7
0.002
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.6
9.8
4.6
1.7
2008
103
90
1.23
0.36
16.2
9.5
25.3
29.5
0.003
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.5
11.4
5.6
2.3
2007
113
97
1.17
0.38
16.8
10.2
27.1
29.5
0.004
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.4
12.4
5.1
2.7
2006
114
76
1.11
0.38
17.2
10.5
25.5
27.4
0.004
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.9
N/A
4.5
2.8
2005
105
94
0.86
0.41
20.5
12.3
22.7
29.7
0.006
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.7
N/A
4.5
3.8
2004
113
76
0.62
0.43
21.3
11.9
20.6
27.6
0.004
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.3
N/A
6.5
3.4
2003
108
89
0.90
0.50
23.6
13.0
20.8
27.6
N/A
0.005
N/A
N/A
12.2
N/A
8.3
5.5
2002
125
100
1.16
0.46
23.7
13.4
25.0
30.5
N/A
0.008
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
6.7
5.8
2001
113
93
1.07
0.46
23.9
15.2
22.0
27.9
0.017
0.021
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
6.7
7.2
2000
115
85
1.17
0.53
20.2
15.3
19.1
25.6
N/A
0.023
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.2
6.8
Natural disasters
Type
Washington
Buffalo
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
110.6%
26.3%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
42.9%
32.9%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
19%
22%
Transportation
Both cities boast robust public transportation systems. DC has the Metro, which is extensive and relatively reliable, though it might be crowded during peak hours. Buffalo's public transit relies more heavily on buses and the Metro Rail, which can be convenient for daily commuting.
Transport
Type
Washington
Buffalo
Amtrak stations
1
0
Amtrak stations nearby
3
3
FAA registered aircraft
456
87
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
3
1
Means of transportation to work
Type
Washington
Buffalo
Bicycle
2%
0.5%
Bus
6.3%
5.8%
Carpooled
7.8%
7.8%
Car alone
62.5%
80.5%
Railroad
0.3%
0.2%
Streetcar
10.6%
0.3%
Subway
1.3%
0.6%
Taxicab
0.8%
0.3%
Walked
5.7%
3.1%
Average travel time to work
Type
Washington
Buffalo
Average
39.2 min
23.8 min
Other means
26 min
19.9 min
Public transportation
38.9 min
36.6 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Washington
Buffalo
Average
1.1
1.1
Drove alone
89.4%
89.9%
In 2 person carpool
9.7%
6.9%
In 3 person carpool
0.6%
2.6%
In 4 person carpool
0.4%
0.3%
In 5-6 person carpool
0%
0.2%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate in Washington, DC is significantly more expensive than in Buffalo, which has one of the most affordable housing markets among US cities. It means rental and purchase prices are much higher in DC versus Buffalo.
Neighborhoods
DC is characterized by a wide range of distinct neighborhoods, each with a unique character, from the historic charm of Georgetown to the trendy U Street Corridor. Buffalo has diverse neighborhoods as well, such as the waterfront Canalside and the culturally vibrant Elmwood Village.
Houses and residents
Type
Washington
Buffalo
Houses
357,482
137,222
Average household size (people)
2.1
2.2
Length of stay in the house since moving in
13.5 years
15.8 years
Houses occupied
319,565 (89.4%)
122,569 (89.3%)
Houses occupied by owners
132,936 (41.6%)
54,108 (44.1%)
Houses occupied by renters
186,629 (58.4%)
68,461 (55.9%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$2,791
$372.33
Median monthly housing costs
$1,817
$812
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$996,150
$283,454
Estimated median house or condo value
$669,900
$155,200
Median numbers of rooms
3.8
5.6
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.1
4.9
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6
6.5
Median house price - detached houses
Over $1,000,000
$160,989
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$176,595
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$471,443
$166,381
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$527,983
$451,923
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$817,288
$280,424
Median house price - All housing units
$790,542
$172,704
Median house age
65
2,021
Renting percentage
58%
59.3%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
5,821.9
3,378.8
House value disparities
26.7%
44.5%
Household income disparities
45.7%
50.4%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$163,111
$78,318
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$108,852
$50,382
Housing units without a mortgage
777 (0.8%)
2,243 (7.7%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
8,586 (8.5%)
1,953 (6.7%)
Housing units with a mortgage
100,122 (99.2%)
26,930 (92.3%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
1,057 (1%)
69 (0.2%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
12,793 (12.7%)
2,377 (8.1%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
10
16
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
3
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.5%
5.5%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.5%
1.9%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Washington
Buffalo
One, detached
11.2%
39.4%
One, attached
22.2%
2.7%
Two
2.7%
34.2%
3 or 4
6.8%
8.0%
5 to 9
7.3%
3.3%
10 to 19
8.5%
2.6%
20 to 49
7.6%
3.4%
50 or more
33.6%
6.1%
Mobile homes
0.2%
0.0%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.0%
0.2%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
16,654
5,576
State government workers
6,699
6,135
Unpaid family workers
580
313
Industries and Occupations
DC's job market is primarily driven by the government, but it also has strong education, healthcare, and professional services sectors. Buffalo's economy leans more towards education, healthcare, and manufacturing, with emerging sectors like technology and renewable energy offering new opportunities.
Healthcare quality and availability are crucial. Both cities house world-class health facilities. DC has renowned medical facilities like the MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, while Buffalo boasts the esteemed Roswell Park Cancer Institute.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Washington
Buffalo
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Washington, DC, being the capital, has well-developed infrastructure, including monuments, museums, and more. Buffalo, while not as advanced as DC, also offers well-maintained infrastructures like parks and public spaces, but improvement is needed in certain areas.
Infrastructure
Type
Washington
Buffalo
Hospitals
114
15
TV stations
27
14
Arenas or stadiums
4
2
Bank branches located here
247
69
Bank institutions located here
34
10
Main business address for public companies
30
6
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
5
4
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Washington
Buffalo
1999
1,328
426
2000
1,438
620
2001
935
559
2002
886
407
2003
1,319
335
2004
2,281
468
2005
2,920
447
2006
3,362
701
2007
2,548
619
2008
1,095
316
2009
514
105
Culture and Food
Both cities have a rich cultural and food scene. DC is known for its world-class museums, theaters, and diverse food culture, boasting numerous ethnic restaurants, food trucks, and high-end dining. Buffalo has a thriving arts scene, antique architecture, and is famous for its buffalo wings, Beef on Weck sandwiches, and diverse food options.
Sports Teams
In the realm of sports, DC hosts numerous professional sports teams including the Washington Wizards (NBA), Washington Capitals (NHL), and Washington Nationals (MLB). Buffalo, on the other hand, rallies behind the Buffalo Bills (NFL) and Buffalo Sabres (NHL).
Washington, DC
Buffalo, NY
Washington, DC and 
Buffalo, NY : 291.9 miles
