What is the cost of living in Washington, DC?

In Washington, the median home value is $705,000 and median rent is $1,817 per month, against a median household income of $101,722. These figures come from the US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year (2022).

How much do you need to earn to live comfortably in Washington?

A common guideline is that rent should stay under 30% of gross income. With median rent at $1,817/month, that implies an income of about $72,680 to keep housing affordable in Washington.

Is it better to rent or buy in Washington?

With a median home value of $705,000 and median rent of $1,817/month, the buy-vs-rent decision in Washington depends on how long you plan to stay, current mortgage rates, and your down payment. Compare monthly mortgage estimates against the rent figure above.

Washington, DC Relocation Guide (2026)

Cost of living, housing, and income data for Washington, sourced from the US Census Bureau.

670,587

Population

$101,722

Median household income

+41% vs tracked median

$705,000

Median home value

+115% vs tracked median

$1,817/mo

Median rent

+30% vs tracked median

Source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year (2022). Last updated July 2026.

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Washington, District of Columbia is home to roughly 670,587 residents. The typical household earns $101,722 per year — above the median across cities we track (+41%).

Housing costs are a defining factor for anyone relocating here. The median home value sits at $705,000 (above the multi-city median at +115%), while renters pay a median of $1,817 per month. Buyers should weigh current mortgage rates and local property taxes against these figures before committing.

Cost of housing in Washington

Median home value is $705,000 and median gross rent is $1,817/month. For buyers, monthly costs depend heavily on current mortgage rates — worth checking before you commit.

Walkability & transit

Walkability data (Walk Score) will appear here once enrichment is run for Washington.

Climate & home insurance

Climate and flood-risk data (FEMA National Risk Index) will appear here once enrichment is run. Home insurance costs vary widely by region and risk profile.

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Moving to Washington

Planning a move to Washington? Compare licensed movers and get quotes based on your origin and move date.

Frequently asked questions

What is the cost of living in Washington, DC?: In Washington, the median home value is $705,000 and median rent is $1,817 per month, against a median household income of $101,722. These figures come from the US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year (2022).
How much do you need to earn to live comfortably in Washington?: A common guideline is that rent should stay under 30% of gross income. With median rent at $1,817/month, that implies an income of about $72,680 to keep housing affordable in Washington.
Is it better to rent or buy in Washington?: With a median home value of $705,000 and median rent of $1,817/month, the buy-vs-rent decision in Washington depends on how long you plan to stay, current mortgage rates, and your down payment. Compare monthly mortgage estimates against the rent figure above.