Let me start by saying, that clearly by my name--I'm a little biased!
Having said that, I think that the networking benefits to DC especially in that field (which, incidentally is the same as mine!) outweighs the cost of living in the long run. That is why I'm choosing to go there.
I can't speak specifically to the program comparison, but I have always believed that education is what you make it.
Anyways, would bet it is the internship and network opportunities that will really make the difference.