Cost of Living in Washington, DC
Population 681,294 · Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates
The median rent in Washington, DC is $1,954/month, about the same as the District of Columbia median and 38% higher than the U.S. median. The median home value is $737,100, 122% higher than the national median. Households earn a median of $109,870 a year, about the same as the state median.
Affordability
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Washington vs. District of Columbia vs. U.S.
| Washington | District of Columbia | U.S. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $1,954 | $1,954 | $1,413 |
| Median home value | $737,100 | $737,100 | $332,700 |
| Median household income | $109,870 | $109,870 | $80,734 |
| Homeownership rate | 41.5% | 41.5% | 65.2% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 64.2% | 64.2% | 35.7% |
| Poverty rate | 15.4% | 15.4% | 12.5% |
| Unemployment rate | 6.3% | 6.3% | 5.2% |
| Work from home | 33.0% | 33.0% | 15.1% |
| Median age | 34.9 | 34.9 | 38.9 |
FAQ
What is the average rent in Washington, DC?
The median gross rent in Washington, DC is $1,954 per month (ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimate).
How much do I need to earn to live in Washington, DC?
Using the common 30% rule, renting a median-priced home takes about $78,160 a year in gross income.
Is Washington, DC expensive to live in?
Rent there is 38% higher than the U.S. median, and the median home costs about 6.7 times the median household income.
Other cities in District of Columbia
Cities with a similar cost of living
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates. Estimates have margins of error, especially for smaller places. This product uses the Census Bureau Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the Census Bureau.
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