Cost of Living in Washington, DC
Overall index: 152 — 14 points above District of Columbia average. District of Columbia statewide average: 137.8.
Where your money goes in Washington, DC
Estimated spending breakdown on a $75,000 salary in Washington, DC
Estimated annual spending: $101,637($26,637 over budget)
What things cost in Washington, DC
| Item | Washington, DC | District of Columbia avg | US avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $640,000 | $640,000 | $360,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $2,450/mo | $2,866/mo | $1,400/mo |
| Gas (regular) | $3.56/gal | $3.56/gal | $3.50/gal |
| Electric bill | $150/mo | $150/mo | $137/mo |
| Infant childcare | $28,356/yr | $28,356/yr | $13,500/yr |
Index by category
Washington, DC vs District of Columbia statewide. National average = 100.
FAQ
What is the cost of living in Washington, DC?
Washington, DC has an overall cost-of-living index of 152 (national average = 100). This is higher than the District of Columbia statewide average of 137.8. Median home prices are $640,000 and average 2BR rent is $2,450/month.
Is Washington, DC expensive to live in?
Yes, Washington, DC is more expensive than the national average with an index of 152. Housing is the biggest factor at 230% of the national average.
How much does rent cost in Washington, DC?
Average 2-bedroom rent in Washington, DC is $2,450/month, compared to the national average of $1,400/month and the District of Columbia statewide average of $2,866/month.
What salary do I need to live in Washington, DC?
A $75,000 salary at the national average cost of living is equivalent to $114,000 in Washington, DC. You'll need a higher income to maintain the same standard of living.
Where does this data come from?
Metro-level data combines BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), C2ER COLI metro indices (2025), Zillow ZHVI/ZORI metro data (2024-2025), and state-level data from MERIC, AAA, EIA, and Child Care Aware.
Related tools
- District of Columbia Cost of Living — Statewide averages and all metro areas
- District of Columbia Paycheck Calculator — Calculate take-home pay
- House Affordability in District of Columbia — How much house can you afford?
- Compare any two states
Metro-level data from BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), C2ER COLI (2025), and Zillow ZHVI (2024-2025). Where metro data is unavailable, District of Columbia statewide averages are used.