Washington, DC Cost of Living


97 Reviews



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Washington cost of living score
151.9
More expensive
51.9% higher
than the US average
0.5% higher
than the District of Columbia average
Washington, District of Columbia gets a BestPlaces Cost of Living score of 151.9, which means the total cost of housing, food, childcare, transportation, healthcare, taxes, and other necessities is 51.9% higher than the U.S. average and 0.5% lower than the average for District of Columbia.

Washington, DC

Housing costs in Washington?
A typical home costs $644,900, which is 90.7% more expensive than the national average of $338,100 and 1.0% more expensive than the average District of Columbia home, at $638,400. Renting a two-bedroom unit in Washington costs $1,940 per month, which is 35.7% more than the national average of $1,430 and 5.2% more than the state average of $1,840.

Can I afford Washington?
To live comfortably in Washington, District of Columbia, a minimum annual income of $123,480 for a family, and $68,400 for a single person is recommended.

What does A.I. say about Washington?
Washington DC boasts one of the highest quality-of-life standards in the United States at a surprisingly low cost. With ample housing options ranging from single-family homes to apartments - and special deals available for those working at government agencies - it's easy to stick within your budget and still enjoy the culture that the city has to offer. Furthermore, food and transportation expenses remain quite reasonable compared with other US cities - making DC a great place if you're trying to make your dollar go further.
   Cost of living score
     CategoriesWashingtonDistrict of ColumbiaUnited States
  151.9151.2100.0
  114.1114.1100
  95.595.1100.0
  231.5230.5100.0
  $644,900$638,400$338,100
  106.0%106.0%100.0%
  135.3135.3100.0
  175.9160.1100.0

   100=National Average

   Average Rent by Bedroom Size
Reviews for Washington
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Over 3 years ago

Living in DC long term brings on a kind of insidious misery. A long, slow, simmering down of any natural optimism or desire for a better future. It’s a leach of a town  More

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Over 4 years ago

Parts are beautiful but alot is rundown and ghetto. They always show the monuments and upper nw neighborhoods but never show hoods across the Anacostia River. Crime is  More

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Moved to DC 40 years ago from Mpls-St. Paul. DC is an amazing town. Downside is people are very competitive, everything is expensive. Great restaurants, foodie heaven  More

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