City comparison
No. Toledo's crime index is 221 versus 223 in Washington, and its violent crime index is 279 versus 243, using 2024-2025 FBI data.
Toledo is cheaper. Median rent is $934 a month versus $1,954 in Washington.
The income gap between Washington and Toledo is significant: $109,870 median household versus $62,224. That spread matters more if you are job hunting locally than if you are remote. Typical rent is $1,954 in Washington and $934 in Toledo.
Neither city has a clear overall edge here. Toledo costs less and Washington pays more: the right call depends on whether you are optimizing for take-home pay or monthly burn rate. Both are defensible choices for different reasons.
The rent gap is real but neighborhoods matter. Toledo at $934 average has pockets that run $734 and others at $1,334: your actual number depends on which part of the city you land in.
The move
Washington and Toledo are 393 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,954 a month in Washington to $934 a month in Toledo, down $1,020 a month (52%).
Median household income goes from $109,870 in Washington to $62,224 in Toledo, down $47,646 (43%).
The crime index goes from 223 in Washington to 221 in Toledo, down 2 points (1%).
The move
Toledo and Washington are 393 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $934 a month in Toledo to $1,954 a month in Washington, up $1,020 a month (109%).
Median household income goes from $62,224 in Toledo to $109,870 in Washington, up $47,646 (77%).
The crime index goes from 221 in Toledo to 223 in Washington, up 2 points (1%).
Washington, DC
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Toledo, OH
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Comparing Washington and Toledo? Check mortgage rates before you decide where to buy.
Rent
52% cheaper
Toledo rent is 52% cheaper than Washington
Washington
$1,954/mo
Toledo
Winner$934/mo
Typical rent runs $934 a month in Toledo versus $1,954 in Washington, so Toledo is 52% cheaper. That's roughly $1,020/month back in your pocket ($12,240/year). Over five years that's $61,200 you could redirect toward a down payment, travel, or investments. Housing is the bill you pay before groceries, childcare, or a social life, so that gap shows up in how often you eat out and how panicked a rent hike feels. If you already have a high-paying offer in Washington, the extra rent can be rational. If you do not, Toledo is the easier city to land in without blowing up your budget.
Planning to buy in Toledo? Check mortgage rates before you decide.
Median income
77% higher
Washington's median income is 77% higher than Toledo
Washington
Winner$109,870
Toledo
$62,224
Median household income is $109,870 in Washington versus $62,224 in Toledo, so typical pay runs 77% higher in Washington (about $47,646 more household income a year). Higher median income usually signals a stronger local job market and better negotiating leverage on salary. Remote workers should weigh this against cost of living rather than treating it as a direct personal benefit. For people who will actually work in town, Washington is the stronger labor market on paper. Toledo can still win if housing is cheap enough to offset the weaker median or if your specific role already pays well there.
Crime index
1% lower crime
Toledo's crime index is 1% lower than Washington
Washington
223 (100 = avg)
Toledo
Winner221 (100 = avg)
Toledo's crime index is 221 versus 223 in Washington (100 = national average), so citywide crime runs 1% lower in Toledo. The difference is noticeable without being night-and-day. You will still want to pick the neighborhood carefully in Toledo, but you will usually spend less energy on constant vigilance than you would in Washington. Tour both cities after dark before you let a modest index gap close the decision.
Typical weather
18% more comfortable
Washington weather is 18% more comfortable than Toledo
Washington
Winner55°F avg · 62°F highs · comfort 72/100
Toledo
51°F avg · 58°F highs · comfort 61/100
Washington averages about 55°F (62°F highs); Toledo averages about 51°F (58°F highs). Washington averages around 55°F, so jackets, heating bills, and shorter outdoor seasons are part of daily life. Toledo averages around 51°F, so jackets, heating bills, and shorter outdoor seasons are part of daily life. Washington scores 18% closer to the 65-80°F comfort band on this page, so it is the easier default for year-round outdoor errands and evenings. Choose Toledo if you already prefer its hotter or cooler pattern and have budgeted for the AC or heating that comes with it.
Fit check
Career-focused movers who want salary upside plus year-round outdoor access
It is also a match for career-focused movers who want salary upside and year-round outdoor access. Median household income runs 77% higher ($109,870), and typical weather is the more comfortable of the two (around 55°F). That pairing is for people who will work hard and then actually use the evenings.
Fit check
Families with young children and retirees who prioritize peace of mind over urban energy
Toledo is the clearer landing pad if housing cost is what keeps you up at night. Typical rent is 52% cheaper here at about $934 a month. Choose Toledo if you are stretching a salary, starting over, or want slack for travel and debt instead of a flashier skyline.
Toledo is the better fit for families with young children and retirees who prioritize peace of mind over urban energy. The crime index is 1% lower than Washington (221 vs a 100 national average). That gap shows up in how freely you walk at night and how much attention you spend on the car and the deadbolt.
Bottom line
Housing separates these metros first: $934/month in Toledo versus $1,954 in Washington. Median income reads $62,224 in Toledo and $109,870 in Washington, which matters when you stack rent against take-home pay.
Toledo rent at $934/month is still below Washington's $1,954, so cost-sensitive households should weigh the lease before the paycheck.
Weather averages land near 55°F in Washington and 51°F in Toledo.
If housing cost drives your move, Toledo is the stronger match ($934/month rent against $1,954). If an employer or family tie already points to Washington, treat $1,954/month rent and $109,870 income as the numbers that actually govern the decision.
Common questions
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Next steps
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Nearby research
Open full neighborhood reports for Washington and Toledo, plus other cities in DC and OH.
