[steviesands]

As someone who moved from DC proper to NYC, DC is nowhere near NYC in terms of expenses. In 14th St or Logan circle you can get a brand new 2BR for the price of an old tiny, dilapidated 1BR in an equivalent area in NYC. You can likely even get a 3BR older row house for the same price as a 1BR in Manhattan or prime Brooklyn.

Not to mention, in NYC it's very difficult to buy a home as they are ~30-40% more expensive than renting, with high maintenance fees. For example, a 2BR in Upper East or West side (not near central park) will be ~6-9k a month with ~3k a month in taxes/maintenance.

The (made up) cocktail price index is also illustrative and in NYC one cocktail is ~$17-20 and DC is ~$11-14.