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Cost of Living Data profile

Cost of Living in Washington, DC: Rent, Housing & Income

  • Official data · Census ACS 2024 · BEA 2024 · EIA July–September 2026
Updated  7 sources

Cost of living vs. U.S. average (2024)

9.9% above

Cost of living in Washington, D.C. is 9.9% above the U.S. average, based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis 2024 Regional Price Parities for Washington, D.C. (index 109.9; U.S. = 100). Median rent in Washington, D.C. is $1,931 a month.

Cost of living in Washington, D.C. by category

Overall prices

109.9U.S. = 100

Regional price parity, all items

+9.9% vs. U.S.

Goods
106.5 +6.5%
Housing (rents)
155.0 +55.0%
Utilities
112.8 +12.8%
Other services
103.0 +3.0%

BEA 2024 · Washington, D.C. Details: Overall prices

Housing

$1,931/mo

Median gross rent

+30% vs. U.S.

1-bedroom rent
$1,922 +48% vs. U.S.
2-bedroom rent
$2,366 +59% vs. U.S.
3-bedroom rent
$2,567 +53% vs. U.S.
Median home value
$733,400 +103% vs. U.S.
Owner costs, mortgage
$3,181 +56% vs. U.S.

Census ACS 2024 Details: Housing

Utilities

$153/mo

Average electric bill

About the same as U.S.

Electricity price
25.2¢/kWh +38% vs. U.S.
Natural gas, 12-mo avg.
$21.48/Mcf +11% vs. U.S.
Utilities price index
112.8

EIA July 2026 · Washington, D.C. Details: Utilities

Transportation

31.0min

Mean travel time to work

+14% vs. U.S.

Commute mode: drove alone
29.3%
Work from home
22.9%
Gasoline (PADD 1B avg.)
$4.37/gal About the same as U.S.

Census ACS 2024 · EIA September 2026 Details: Transportation

Food at home

$1,388/mo

Moderate-cost plan, family of 4

Thrifty plan, family of 4
$1,024/mo
Liberal plan, family of 4
$1,679/mo
Moderate plan, single woman
$403/mo
Moderate plan, single man
$478/mo

USDA August 2026 · U.S. average Details: Food at home

Child care

$490/wk

Center care, infant

+182% vs. U.S.

Center care, toddler
$451/wk +194% vs. U.S.
Center care, preschool
$393/wk +172% vs. U.S.
Home-based care, infant
$400/wk +179% vs. U.S.

DOL NDCP 2022 prices · Washington, D.C. Details: Child care

Income

$109,707/yr

Median household income

+34% vs. U.S.

Median rent as share of income
21%
Home value to income
6.7×

Census ACS 2024 Details: Income

Housing costs in Washington, D.C.

Median gross rent in Washington, D.C. is $1,931 a month, 30% above the U.S. median of $1,487. The median falls in the $1,500–$1,999 range, which holds 21.4% of renter households paying cash rent. Another 47% pay $2,000 or more.

The median owner-occupied home is valued at $733,400, and 29.9% of homes are valued at $1,000,000 or more.

Housing costs: Washington, D.C. vs. U.S.

Median monthly rent

Median monthly rent Washington, D.C.: $1,931; U.S.: $1,487 Washington, D.C. $1,931 U.S. $1,487

Monthly owner costs

Monthly owner costs Washington, D.C.: $3,181; U.S.: $2,035 Washington, D.C. $3,181 U.S. $2,035

Median home value

Median home value Washington, D.C.: $733,400; U.S.: $360,600 Washington, D.C. $733,400 U.S. $360,600
Show the data table
MeasureWashington, D.C.U.S.
Median monthly rent$1,931$1,487
Monthly owner costs$3,181$2,035
Median home value$733,400$360,600

Rent is median gross rent; owner costs are for homes with a mortgage. American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

What renters pay in Washington, D.C.

What renters pay in Washington, D.C. Share of renter households paying cash rent in Washington, D.C. by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than $500, holds 7.6%; the top range, $3,500 or more, holds 11.8%. Median $1,931. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 10% 20% 30% Less than $500: 7.6% (U.S.: 6.1%) $500–$749: 3.4% (U.S.: 6.8%) $750–$999: 3.3% (U.S.: 11.5%) $1,000–$1,249: 7.4% (U.S.: 13.5%) $1,250–$1,499: 9.8% (U.S.: 12.9%) $1,500–$1,999: 21.4% (U.S.: 22.2%) $2,000–$2,499: 17.4% (U.S.: 13.2%) $2,500–$2,999: 11% (U.S.: 6.5%) $3,000–$3,499: 6.8% (U.S.: 3.2%) $3,500 or more: 11.8% (U.S.: 4.2%) $500–750 $1–1.25K $1.5–2K $2.5–3K $3.5K+ Median $1,931 (Washington, D.C.) 21.4%
Show the data table
RangeWashington, D.C.U.S.
Less than $5007.6%6.1%
$500–$7493.4%6.8%
$750–$9993.3%11.5%
$1,000–$1,2497.4%13.5%
$1,250–$1,4999.8%12.9%
$1,500–$1,99921.4%22.2%
$2,000–$2,49917.4%13.2%
$2,500–$2,99911%6.5%
$3,000–$3,4996.8%3.2%
$3,500 or more11.8%4.2%

Share of renter households paying cash rent. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B25063. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Home values in Washington, D.C.

Home values in Washington, D.C. Share of owner-occupied homes in Washington, D.C. by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than $100,000, holds 2.4%; the top range, $1,500,000 or more, holds 13.8%. Median $733,400. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 10% 20% 30% Less than $100,000: 2.4% (U.S.: 10.2%) $100,000–$149,999: 1.4% (U.S.: 5.7%) $150,000–$199,999: 0.6% (U.S.: 7.5%) $200,000–$249,999: 1.6% (U.S.: 8.4%) $250,000–$299,999: 2.1% (U.S.: 8.5%) $300,000–$399,999: 9.2% (U.S.: 15.9%) $400,000–$499,999: 10.7% (U.S.: 12%) $500,000–$749,999: 23.6% (U.S.: 16.3%) $750,000–$999,999: 18.5% (U.S.: 7.5%) $1,000,000–$1,499,999: 16.1% (U.S.: 4.3%) $1,500,000 or more: 13.8% (U.S.: 3.7%) <$100K $100–150K $150–200K $250–300K $400–500K $500–750K $750K–1M $1.5M+ Median $733,400 (Washington, D.C.) 23.6%
Show the data table
RangeWashington, D.C.U.S.
Less than $100,0002.4%10.2%
$100,000–$149,9991.4%5.7%
$150,000–$199,9990.6%7.5%
$200,000–$249,9991.6%8.4%
$250,000–$299,9992.1%8.5%
$300,000–$399,9999.2%15.9%
$400,000–$499,99910.7%12%
$500,000–$749,99923.6%16.3%
$750,000–$999,99918.5%7.5%
$1,000,000–$1,499,99916.1%4.3%
$1,500,000 or more13.8%3.7%

Share of owner-occupied homes. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B25075. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Monthly housing costs in Washington, D.C.

Measure Washington, D.C. U.S.
Median rent (all units) $1,931$1,487
1-bedroom rent $1,922$1,301
2-bedroom rent $2,366$1,490
3-bedroom rent $2,567$1,677
Owner costs with a mortgage $3,181$2,035

Median gross rent includes utilities the renter pays. Owner costs include the mortgage, taxes, insurance, and utilities. American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

How affordable is Washington, D.C.?

At the median, rent takes about 21% of household income in Washington, D.C.. Housing experts treat 30% as the limit before a household is considered cost-burdened. To keep the median rent at 30% of income, a household would need to earn about $77,200 a year.

The median home is worth $733,400, or 6.7 times the median household income.

Household income in Washington, D.C.

The median household in Washington, D.C. earns $109,707 a year, 34% above the U.S. median of $81,604. About 26.6% of households earn $200,000 or more, while 17.1% earn less than $25,000.

Median household income: Washington, D.C. vs. U.S.

Median household income (yearly)

Median household income (yearly) Washington, D.C.: $109,707; U.S.: $81,604 Washington, D.C. $109,707 U.S. $81,604
Show the data table
MeasureWashington, D.C.U.S.
Median household income (yearly)$109,707$81,604

American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Household income distribution in Washington, D.C.

Household income distribution in Washington, D.C. Share of households in Washington, D.C. by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than $10,000, holds 7.8%; the top range, $200,000 or more, holds 26.6%. Median $109,707. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 10% 20% 30% Less than $10,000: 7.8% (U.S.: 5.1%) $10,000–$14,999: 3.5% (U.S.: 3.3%) $15,000–$19,999: 2.3% (U.S.: 2.8%) $20,000–$24,999: 3.5% (U.S.: 3.2%) $25,000–$29,999: 2.1% (U.S.: 3%) $30,000–$34,999: 1.8% (U.S.: 3.3%) $35,000–$39,999: 1.5% (U.S.: 3.2%) $40,000–$44,999: 2% (U.S.: 3.5%) $45,000–$49,999: 1.8% (U.S.: 3.2%) $50,000–$59,999: 3.4% (U.S.: 6.4%) $60,000–$74,999: 7.1% (U.S.: 9.2%) $75,000–$99,999: 9.8% (U.S.: 12.6%) $100,000–$124,999: 8.9% (U.S.: 10.4%) $125,000–$149,999: 7.9% (U.S.: 7.4%) $150,000–$199,999: 10.1% (U.S.: 9.7%) $200,000 or more: 26.6% (U.S.: 13.7%) $10–15K $20–25K $30–35K $40–45K $50–60K $75–100K $125–150K $200K+ Median $109,707 (Washington, D.C.) 26.6%
Show the data table
RangeWashington, D.C.U.S.
Less than $10,0007.8%5.1%
$10,000–$14,9993.5%3.3%
$15,000–$19,9992.3%2.8%
$20,000–$24,9993.5%3.2%
$25,000–$29,9992.1%3%
$30,000–$34,9991.8%3.3%
$35,000–$39,9991.5%3.2%
$40,000–$44,9992%3.5%
$45,000–$49,9991.8%3.2%
$50,000–$59,9993.4%6.4%
$60,000–$74,9997.1%9.2%
$75,000–$99,9999.8%12.6%
$100,000–$124,9998.9%10.4%
$125,000–$149,9997.9%7.4%
$150,000–$199,99910.1%9.7%
$200,000 or more26.6%13.7%

Share of households. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B19001. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Income and home values

Measure Washington, D.C. U.S.
Median household income (yearly) $109,707$81,604
Median home value $733,400$360,600

American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Price levels compared with the U.S.

The Bureau of Economic Analysis publishes Regional Price Parities: price levels for the same basket of goods and services, with the U.S. average set to 100. In 2024, Washington, D.C. scored 109.9 for all items. The highest category is housing rents at 155.0; the lowest is other services at 103.0.

Regional price parities by category (U.S. = 100)

All items

All items Washington, D.C.: 109.9; U.S.: 100.0 Washington, D.C. 109.9 U.S. 100.0

Goods

Goods Washington, D.C.: 106.5; U.S.: 99.6 Washington, D.C. 106.5 U.S. 99.6

Housing (rents)

Housing (rents) Washington, D.C.: 155.0; U.S.: 100.6 Washington, D.C. 155.0 U.S. 100.6

Utilities

Utilities Washington, D.C.: 112.8; U.S.: 98.4 Washington, D.C. 112.8 U.S. 98.4

Other services

Other services Washington, D.C.: 103.0; U.S.: 100.1 Washington, D.C. 103.0 U.S. 100.1
Show the data table
MeasureWashington, D.C.U.S.
All items109.9100.0
Goods106.599.6
Housing (rents)155.0100.6
Utilities112.898.4
Other services103.0100.1

Index, U.S. = 100. Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities, 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities

Utilities and energy costs

Households in Washington, D.C. paid an average of 25.2¢ per kWh for electricity in July 2026, compared with 18.3¢ nationally. Over the past 12 months the average residential bill was $153 a month (U.S.: $157). Residential natural gas averaged $21.48 per thousand cubic feet over the 12 months to July 2026 (U.S.: $19.40).

Energy prices: Washington, D.C. vs. U.S.

Electricity price (¢/kWh)

Electricity price (¢/kWh) Washington, D.C.: 25.2¢; U.S.: 18.3¢ Washington, D.C. 25.2¢ U.S. 18.3¢

Average electric bill (monthly)

Average electric bill (monthly) Washington, D.C.: $153; U.S.: $157 Washington, D.C. $153 U.S. $157

Natural gas, 12-mo avg. ($/Mcf)

Natural gas, 12-mo avg. ($/Mcf) Washington, D.C.: $21.48; U.S.: $19.40 Washington, D.C. $21.48 U.S. $19.40
Show the data table
MeasureWashington, D.C.U.S.
Electricity price (¢/kWh)25.2¢18.3¢
Average electric bill (monthly)$153$157
Natural gas, 12-mo avg. ($/Mcf)$21.48$19.40

Residential customers. Electricity price for July 2026; electric bill and natural gas are 12-month averages. U.S. Energy Information Administration. Sources: EIA Electric Power Monthly: residential retail sales; EIA Natural Gas Monthly: price delivered to residential consumers

Transportation and commuting

Workers in Washington, D.C. who commute spend an average of 31.0 minutes getting to work (U.S.: 27.2 minutes). The most common way to get to work is to drive alone (29.3% of workers); 22.9% work from home. Gasoline in the Central Atlantic region (PADD 1B), which includes Washington, D.C., averaged $4.37 a gallon for regular in September 2026, compared with $4.36 nationally. EIA publishes no separate Washington, D.C. price.

How workers get to work

How workers get to work Washington, D.C.: Drove alone 29.3%, Carpooled 4.1%, Public transit 26.6%, Walked 10.7%, Bicycle 4%, Worked from home 22.9%, Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.) 2.4%. U.S.: Drove alone 69.2%, Carpooled 9.2%, Public transit 3.7%, Walked 2.4%, Bicycle 0.5%, Worked from home 13.3%, Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.) 1.7%. Most common in Washington, D.C.: Drove alone. Washington, D.C. Washington, D.C. · Drove alone: 29.3% 29.3% Washington, D.C. · Carpooled: 4.1% Washington, D.C. · Public transit: 26.6% 26.6% Washington, D.C. · Walked: 10.7% Washington, D.C. · Bicycle: 4% Washington, D.C. · Worked from home: 22.9% 22.9% Washington, D.C. · Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.): 2.4% U.S. U.S. · Drove alone: 69.2% 69.2% U.S. · Carpooled: 9.2% U.S. · Public transit: 3.7% U.S. · Walked: 2.4% U.S. · Bicycle: 0.5% U.S. · Worked from home: 13.3% 13.3% U.S. · Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.): 1.7%
Show the data table
Means of transportationWashington, D.C.U.S.
Drove alone29.3%69.2%
Carpooled4.1%9.2%
Public transit26.6%3.7%
Walked10.7%2.4%
Bicycle4%0.5%
Worked from home22.9%13.3%
Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.)2.4%1.7%

Share of workers 16 and over. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B08301. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Travel time to work in Washington, D.C.

Travel time to work in Washington, D.C. Share of workers who do not work from home in Washington, D.C. by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than 5 min, holds 1.2%; the top range, 90 min or more, holds 3%. Mean 31.0 min. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% Less than 5 min: 1.2% (U.S.: 2.8%) 5–9 min: 3% (U.S.: 9.4%) 10–14 min: 8.2% (U.S.: 13.1%) 15–19 min: 12.9% (U.S.: 15%) 20–24 min: 13.5% (U.S.: 14.1%) 25–29 min: 8.7% (U.S.: 7%) 30–34 min: 19.8% (U.S.: 13.7%) 35–39 min: 4.9% (U.S.: 3.4%) 40–44 min: 8% (U.S.: 4.1%) 45–59 min: 11% (U.S.: 8.3%) 60–89 min: 5.9% (U.S.: 6.3%) 90 min or more: 3% (U.S.: 3%) <5 5–9 10–14 15–19 20–24 25–29 30–34 35–39 40–44 45–59 60–89 90+ Mean 31.0 min (Washington, D.C.) 19.8%
Show the data table
RangeWashington, D.C.U.S.
Less than 5 min1.2%2.8%
5–9 min3%9.4%
10–14 min8.2%13.1%
15–19 min12.9%15%
20–24 min13.5%14.1%
25–29 min8.7%7%
30–34 min19.8%13.7%
35–39 min4.9%3.4%
40–44 min8%4.1%
45–59 min11%8.3%
60–89 min5.9%6.3%
90 min or more3%3%

Share of workers who do not work from home. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B08303. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Child care costs in Washington, D.C.

In 2022, full-time center-based care for an infant had a median price of $490 a week in Washington, D.C., or $25,480 over 52 weeks. That is 182% above the U.S. county median of $174. Prices are for 2022 and are not adjusted for inflation.

Weekly child care prices (2022)

Type of care Washington, D.C. U.S. (county median)
Center-based care, infant $490$174
Center-based care, toddler $451$153
Center-based care, preschool $393$144
Home-based family care, infant $400$143
Home-based family care, toddler $393$132
Home-based family care, preschool $368$131

Median weekly price for full-time care. U.S. figures are medians of county medians. Prices are for 2022 and are not adjusted for inflation. U.S. Department of Labor, National Database of Childcare Prices. Source: National Database of Childcare Prices (U.S. Department of Labor, Women's Bureau)

Food costs

USDA's moderate-cost food plan puts groceries for a family of four at $1,388 a month in August 2026; the thrifty plan comes to $1,024. USDA publishes these as national averages, not city figures, so they show a typical grocery budget rather than Washington, D.C. prices.

Monthly cost of food at home (August 2026)

USDA food plan U.S. family of 4 U.S. couple U.S. single man U.S. single woman
Thrifty $1,024$630$383$304
Low-cost $1,126$652$381$331
Moderate-cost $1,388$808$478$403
Liberal $1,679$1,007$583$515

Family of 4: two adults and two children aged 6–8 and 9–11. For a single man, the Thrifty plan costs more than the Low-cost plan: USDA re-evaluated the Thrifty plan in 2021, while the other plans still use older market baskets. USDA Food and Nutrition Service, Official Food Plans, August 2026. Source: USDA Food Plans: Cost of Food at Home (monthly reports)

Frequently asked questions

What is the average rent in Washington, D.C.?

Median rent is $1,922 for a one-bedroom and $2,366 for a two-bedroom unit, including utilities the renter pays.

How much do most renters pay in Washington, D.C.?

Among renter households paying cash rent, 14.3% pay less than $1,000 a month, 38.6% pay $1,000 to $1,999, and 47% pay $2,000 or more (Census ACS 2024).

How much do you need to make to live in Washington, D.C.?

To keep the median rent of $1,931 at no more than 30% of income, a household needs about $77,200 a year before taxes. This covers housing only.

Is Washington, D.C. more expensive than the U.S. average?

Yes. The Bureau of Economic Analysis puts overall prices in Washington, D.C. at 109.9 for 2024 (U.S. = 100), 9.9% above average. Housing rents score 155.0.

How long is the average commute in Washington, D.C.?

31.0 minutes one way for workers who commute, compared with 27.2 minutes nationally (Census ACS 2024).

How much does infant day care cost in Washington, D.C.?

The median price for full-time center-based infant care was $490 a week in Washington, D.C. in 2022, according to the Department of Labor's National Database of Childcare Prices.