Cost of Living in Washington, DC

Cost of Living Breakdown

The cost of living in Washington, DC is 52% higher than the national average. Here's how each category compares:

Housing Costs in Washington

Housing is typically the largest expense. In Washington, the housing index is 215 (national average = 100).

• Median home price: $640,000
• Median rent (1 bedroom): $2,300/month
• Median rent (2 bedrooms): $2,900/month
• Annual rent (1BR): $27,600/year

Housing in Washington is significantly more expensive than average. Consider our mortgage calculator to understand what you can afford.

How Much Do You Need to Earn in Washington?

To maintain the equivalent of a $50,000 salary at the national average cost of living, you would need to earn approximately $76,000 in Washington. The median household income of $101,027 translates to a monthly budget of approximately $8,419.

Groceries & Everyday Expenses

The grocery index in Washington is 111. Expect to pay noticeably more for groceries compared to the national average.

Transportation & Utilities

Transportation costs sit at an index of 120, while utilities come in at 115. Getting around Washington tends to be more expensive, including gas, insurance, and public transit.

Healthcare

Healthcare costs in Washington are indexed at 107. Healthcare costs are close to or below the national average.

Compare to District of Columbia

See statewide salary and tax data on our average salary in District of Columbia page. Also see income data for this city on our average salary in Washington page.

Financial Tools

Use our free calculators to plan your finances in Washington:

• Mortgage Calculator — estimate your monthly home payment
• Home Affordability Calculator — see how much house you can afford
• Salary Calculator — convert hourly to annual pay
• Savings Goal Calculator — plan for your move or down payment