Raleigh, North Carolina, and Washington D.C, the capital of the United States, are both dynamic and appealing destinations with their unique flavors and offerings. While Washington D.C is rich in history, political dynamism, and international culture, Raleigh is recognized for its relaxed, suburban atmosphere, beautiful parks, and buzzing tech industry. Both offer unique experiences, benefits, and challenges for both residents and tourists. Their comparison, thus, for relocation or visit, warrants attention to various aspects including crime/safety, cost of living, and culture, among others.
Distance between
Washington, DC and
Raleigh, NC : 231.8 miles
Washington's population is larger by 43%. Its population has grown by 97,991 people (17.1%) since 2000. The population of Raleigh has grown by 193,031 people (69.9%) during that time.
Washington D.C.has historically had a higher crime rate compared to the national average, though there are numerous safe and desirable neighborhoods. Recent efforts have seen a reduction in crime rates. Raleigh generally enjoys lower crime rates, making it a safe city to settle in or visit. However, like any city, crime does exist and precautions should be taken.
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 2,151 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Washington is 635 to 1; the ratio in Raleigh is 213 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a lot smaller in Washington than in Raleigh.
Cost of Living
Living in Washington D.C is generally more expensive than Raleigh. D.C residents face higher costs for housing, groceries, and utilities. Raleigh, while growing, still retains a relatively moderate cost of living.
Income Tax
Washington D.C has a progressive income tax rate that ranges from 4% to 8.95%, depending on income. North Carolina has a flat income tax rate of 5.25%.
Property Tax
Property taxes are generally lower in Raleigh than in D.C. This is based on a percentage of the assessed property value.
Sales Tax
Washington D.C. has a sales tax rate of 5.75%, while Raleigh has a higher rate of 7.25%.
Income
Type
Washington
Raleigh
Estimated median household income
$90,088
$74,612
Estimated per capita income
$65,808
$44,001
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
124.2
95.1
If you make $50,000 in Raleigh, you will have to make $65,300 in Washington to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Washington D.C. is located on the Potomac River, in a region characterized by flat land and occasional hills. Raleigh is located in the Atlantic Seaboard Fall Line, with land sloping down towards the Atlantic Ocean.
Both cities are renowned for their education systems. Washington, D.C. is home to many esteemed universities like Georgetown and George Washington University. Raleigh, part of North Carolina's Research Triangle, has institutions like North Carolina State University.
Washington D.C.'s economy is largely driven by the federal government. Many residents work in government, law, or for NGOs. Raleigh's economy has been spurred by tech, research, and universities. Major industries include healthcare, education, IT, and life sciences.
Biggest Employers
In Washington D.C, the biggest employer is the federal government. Other major employers include schools like Georgetown University and hospitals like Washington Hospital Center. In Raleigh, top employers are tech companies like IBM and Red Hat, healthcare like WakeMed, and North Carolina State University.
There were 376 building permits issued in Washington in 2012 (149 more than in 2011) compared to 1,354 building permits issued in Raleigh in 2012 (366 more than in 2011).
In Washington (District of Columbia), 90.9% voted for Democrats and 7.3% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Raleigh (Wake County), 54.9% voted for Democrats and 43.5% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Washington
Raleigh
Washington
Raleigh
Washington
Raleigh
2020
92.6%
62.3%
5.4%
35.9%
2.0%
1.8%
2016
90.9%
57.4%
4.1%
37.2%
5.0%
5.5%
2012
90.9%
54.9%
7.3%
43.5%
1.8%
1.6%
2008
92.5%
56.8%
6.5%
42.3%
1.0%
0.9%
2004
89.6%
48.7%
9.4%
50.9%
1.0%
0.4%
2000
85.2%
46.1%
9.0%
53.2%
5.9%
0.7%
1996
85.2%
45.9%
9.3%
48.2%
5.5%
5.9%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Washington
Raleigh
Washington
Raleigh
CATHOLIC CHURCH
12.6%
11.0%
7.4%
2.4%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
6.2%
0.4%
10.3%
0.6%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
4.4%
9.0%
10.3%
22.5%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
3.1%
1.1%
5.3%
1.8%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.9%
0.2%
1.8%
1.0%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.7%
1.1%
1.1%
1.0%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.5%
0.6%
2.1%
1.1%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.1%
0.4%
0.3%
0.6%
Weather
Both cities experience a mix of all four seasons. Washington D.C. has hot, humid summers and can be quite cold in winter. Spring and fall are pleasant. Raleigh, being in the Southeast, experiences hot, humid summers and mild winters.
Weather and climate
Type
Washington
Raleigh
Temperature - Average
56.4°F
59.8°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
68.8%
73.7%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
33%
44%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
81%
90%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
48%
46%
Precipitation - Yearly average
42.7 in
46.2 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
32.4 in
13.4 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
15.9%
18.5%
Sunshine amount - Average
61.5%
63.9%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
21%
13%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
66%
64%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
45%
51%
Wind speed - Average
9.7 mph
7.1 mph
Average climate in Washington, District of Columbia
Average climate in Raleigh, North Carolina
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Washington
Raleigh
Washington
Raleigh
Washington
Raleigh
Washington
Raleigh
Washington
Washington
Raleigh
Washington
Raleigh
Washington
Raleigh
2018
88
71
0.32
0.23
11.6
4.9
23.2
27.5
N/A
N/A
16.4
14.6
8.8
9.5
0.8
0.2
2017
84
70
0.32
0.23
12.3
5.5
24.9
25.8
N/A
N/A
16.5
14.7
9.8
9.3
1.0
0.2
2016
98
80
0.43
0.23
14.7
5.6
24.6
26.9
0.002
N/A
17.2
8.7
9.5
10.0
1.0
0.3
2015
91
79
0.34
0.27
14.8
5.7
26.2
28.6
0.002
N/A
17.0
12.4
10.4
11.0
1.3
0.3
2014
85
74
0.33
0.26
11.6
6.0
25.9
29.9
0.002
N/A
17.1
N/A
10.0
11.2
1.0
0.3
2013
88
72
0.34
0.26
11.7
N/A
25.6
26.9
0.002
N/A
17.3
N/A
11.6
10.7
1.0
0.4
2012
103
80
0.58
0.28
15.2
N/A
27.6
29.7
0.002
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.2
9.5
1.6
0.6
2011
105
84
0.67
0.27
15.4
N/A
27.7
32.9
0.002
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.4
10.3
3.1
0.7
2010
114
89
0.88
0.30
15.9
N/A
29.3
32.4
0.003
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.3
10.9
3.4
1.0
2009
90
77
0.86
0.30
16.2
N/A
24.4
27.8
0.002
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.6
10.3
4.6
1.0
2008
103
99
1.23
0.36
16.2
N/A
25.3
32.3
0.003
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.5
12.5
5.6
1.4
2007
113
98
1.17
0.40
16.8
N/A
27.1
35.7
0.004
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.4
13.9
5.1
1.2
2006
114
90
1.11
0.44
17.2
N/A
25.5
31.9
0.004
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.9
13.5
4.5
0.9
2005
105
80
0.86
0.38
20.5
N/A
22.7
33.9
0.006
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.7
N/A
4.5
2.5
2004
113
82
0.62
0.40
21.3
N/A
20.6
28.4
0.004
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.3
N/A
6.5
2.6
2003
108
82
0.90
N/A
23.6
N/A
20.8
29.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.2
N/A
8.3
3.0
2002
125
89
1.16
N/A
23.7
N/A
25.0
36.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
6.7
2.6
2001
113
128
1.07
N/A
23.9
N/A
22.0
34.5
0.017
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
6.7
N/A
2000
115
115
1.17
0.64
20.2
N/A
19.1
34.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.2
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
Washington
Raleigh
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
110.6%
95.1%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
42.9%
52.6%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
19%
18%
Transportation
Both cities have public transport systems – the Washington Metro in D.C. and the GoRaleigh buses in Raleigh. D.C.’s metro is more comprehensive and efficient. However, Raleigh residents often favor cars for commutes.
Transport
Type
Washington
Raleigh
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
3
FAA registered aircraft
456
499
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
3
12
Means of transportation to work
Type
Washington
Raleigh
Bicycle
2%
0.2%
Bus
6.3%
1.1%
Carpooled
7.8%
8.5%
Car alone
62.5%
87.4%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.1%
Railroad
0.3%
0%
Streetcar
10.6%
0%
Subway
1.3%
0%
Taxicab
0.8%
0.3%
Walked
5.7%
1.1%
Average travel time to work
Type
Washington
Raleigh
Average
39.2 min
29.4 min
Other means
26 min
22.5 min
Public transportation
38.9 min
39.9 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Washington
Raleigh
Average
1.1
1.1
Drove alone
89.4%
90.1%
In 2 person carpool
9.7%
7.6%
In 3 person carpool
0.6%
1.4%
In 4 person carpool
0.4%
0.3%
In 5-6 person carpool
0%
0.6%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
The real estate market in Washington D.C. is competitive, with higher prices due to high demand and limited space. Raleigh real estate is more affordable, with growing demand as people discover its appeal.
Neighborhoods
Both cities offer diverse neighborhoods. You'll find historic areas, bustling downtowns, and quiet suburban neighborhoods in both D.C. and Raleigh. However, the vibe in D.C. tends to be more urban and bustling, while Raleigh has a more laid-back, suburban feel.
Houses and residents
Type
Washington
Raleigh
Houses
357,482
217,866
Average household size (people)
2.1
2.4
Median year apartment built
1965
1995
Median year house/condo built
1941
1995
Length of stay in the house since moving in
13.5 years
11.5 years
Houses occupied
319,565 (89.4%)
194,917 (89.5%)
Houses occupied by owners
132,936 (41.6%)
103,367 (53%)
Houses occupied by renters
186,629 (58.4%)
91,550 (47%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$2,791
$1,740
Median monthly housing costs
$1,817
$1,298
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$996,150
$302,120
Estimated median house or condo value
$669,900
$340,200
Median numbers of rooms
3.8
5.1
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.1
3.9
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6
6.7
Median house price - detached houses
Over $1,000,000
$446,507
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$403,968
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$471,443
$170,635
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$527,983
$306,998
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$817,288
$292,086
Median house price - All housing units
$790,542
$404,828
Median house age
65
26
Renting percentage
58%
46.5%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
5,821.9
1,901.1
House value disparities
26.7%
30.8%
Household income disparities
45.7%
45.4%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$163,111
$114,680
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$108,852
$81,716
Housing units without a mortgage
777 (0.8%)
1,689 (2.1%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
8,586 (8.5%)
6,627 (8.2%)
Housing units with a mortgage
100,122 (99.2%)
78,923 (97.9%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
1,057 (1%)
0 (0%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
12,793 (12.7%)
7,783 (9.7%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
10
8
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.5%
0.6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.5%
0.5%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Washington
Raleigh
One, detached
11.2%
45.0%
One, attached
22.2%
14.0%
Two
2.7%
1.2%
3 or 4
6.8%
4.6%
5 to 9
7.3%
6.3%
10 to 19
8.5%
12.4%
20 to 49
7.6%
6.0%
50 or more
33.6%
9.2%
Mobile homes
0.2%
1.2%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
16,654
12,488
State government workers
6,699
19,792
Unpaid family workers
580
523
Industries and Occupations
In Washington D.C., government, law, and international affairs dominate, along with education and health services. Raleigh is part of the Research Triangle Park, a major center for high-tech and biotech research, making technology and healthcare the largest sectors.
Washington D.C. boasts numerous top-rated hospitals and high-quality healthcare facilities. Raleigh healthcare is anchored by the reputed Duke Health system and WakeMed, ensuring excellent care.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Washington
Raleigh
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Washington D.C is well-planned with its iconic landmarks, museums, and federal buildings. It has a robust infrastructure, with well-maintained roads and public buildings. Raleigh is a growing city with developing infrastructure, including established suburbs, a thriving downtown, and green spaces.
Infrastructure
Type
Washington
Raleigh
Hospitals
114
19
TV stations
27
20
Arenas or stadiums
4
3
Bank branches located here
247
136
Bank institutions located here
34
27
Main business address for public companies
30
21
Nuclear power plants nearby
0
1
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
Raleigh
1999
1,328
1,618
2000
1,438
890
2001
935
557
2002
886
510
2003
1,319
564
2004
2,281
700
2005
2,920
1,083
2006
3,362
1,097
2007
2,548
859
2008
1,095
424
2009
514
253
Culture and Food
Washington D.C. offers a cultural amalgamation with myriad museums, art events, concerts, and international cuisine. Raleigh is recognized for its southern charm, vibrant art scene, and comforting southern food.
Sports Teams
D.C. is home to major sports teams including the Redskins (NFL), Nationals (MLB), Wizards (NBA), and Capitals (NHL). Raleigh lacks a major football or baseball team but boasts the NHL's Hurricanes.
Washington, DC
Raleigh, NC
Washington, DC and 
Raleigh, NC : 231.8 miles
