Cost of Living in Washington, DC
Population 672,079 · District of Columbia · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing in Washington sits 138% above the national median — $725,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $106,287 (43% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.5% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Washington
The median home value in Washington is $724,600 — 138% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,900/month, 45% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $106,287/year is 43% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.5%, above the national average of 4.8%. District of Columbia's top state income tax rate is 10.8% and the combined sales tax is 6.0%. The climate averages highs of 67.8°F and lows of 50.9°F, with about 13.7" of annual snowfall. Overall, Washington has a cost of living index of 200 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 100% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 45 | 48 | 57 | 68 | 77 | 85 | 90 | 88 | 81 | 69 | 58 | 49 |
| Low °F | 30 | 32 | 39 | 48 | 58 | 68 | 72 | 71 | 64 | 52 | 42 | 35 |
| Precip" | 2.86 | 2.62 | 3.50 | 3.21 | 3.94 | 4.20 | 4.33 | 3.25 | 3.93 | 3.66 | 2.91 | 3.41 |
| Snow" | 4.9 | 5.0 | 2.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 1.7 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Washington, DC?
Washington has a cost index of 200 (100 = national average). It is 100% above the national average.
What is average rent in Washington, DC?
The median gross rent in Washington is $1,900 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Washington?
The median home value in Washington is $724,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Washington?
The median household income in Washington is $106,287 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Washington, DC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Washington is 6.0%. The District of Columbia state income tax top rate is 10.8%.
Is Washington, DC affordable?
Washington is above average in cost of living, with an index of 200 — about 100% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Washington?
Washington has average high temperatures of 67.8°F and average lows of 50.9°F. Annual precipitation is 41.8". Average annual snowfall is 13.7". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Washington at a Glance
- Population
- 672,079
- Median Income
- $106,287
- Home Value
- $724,600
- Median Rent
- $1,900/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.5%
- Avg High Temp
- 67.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
Compare Washington
Explore county-level cost of living data
District of Columbia Rankings
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