Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
29% cheaper
Asheville is 29% more affordable than Washington. A $75,000 salary in Washington is equivalent to $53,289 in Asheville.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · District of Columbia salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Asheville has a housing index of 120 while Washington sits at 226 (national average = 100). The median home in Asheville costs $360,000 compared to $580,000 in Washington, a difference of $220,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Asheville versus $2,300 in Washington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Asheville scores 103 while Washington scores 108.
Healthcare costs in Asheville (106) are higher than Washington (105). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Asheville is $48,534 compared to $90,842 in Washington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Asheville.
Amazon affiliate links