The average cost of living in Washington, DC is $2,860.04 per month
Washington, D.C. is an important political center within the U.S. Capitol and various global organizations. Unlike most American cities, it was specifically planned to be distinct from the states.
If you’re considering moving to this federal district, you’re obviously wondering if you can afford to live there since living in Washington, D.C. can be pricey; however, there are a few affordable neighborhoods that offer a good quality of life.
If you’re considering making the move, read on to understand the costs involved in moving to the capital of the United States.
Cost of Living in Washington, DC – 2024
Methodology
The main data collection source for this article is Numbeo and trusted Washington, D.C., related websites, including Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority and the DC.gov website. The costs presented are estimates and pertain to an individual living alone on a monthly basis.
Housing costs in Washington, DC
Washington, D.C. is a major political center and there’s a constant demand for housing and office space, which may affect rental and home prices. That is why finding a property that is cheap to buy may be difficult as a result. As of August 2023, the median home price in Washington, DC, is $657,499, and the median rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $2,281. While houses in Washington, D.C. are certainly not cheap, the cost of renting isn’t much lower either.
Below is the list of average costs for renting and buying properties in Washington, DC:
Cost of rent in Washington, DC
|
Area/Neighborhood |
1-bed apartment |
3-bed apartment |
|
Washington, DC (Outside of city center) |
$1,960.61 |
$3,763.46 |
Numbeo (Sept 2023), Rockethomes (August 2023) & Zillow (August 2023)
Cost of buying a property in Washington, DC
|
Area/Neighborhood |
Average home price |
|
Washington, DC |
$618,651 |
Utility costs in Washington, DC: Internet, electricity and water
Washington, D.C., has unexpectedly low utility rates for a normally expensive city. According to data from Numbeo.com, a basic utility package for a 915-square-foot apartment in Washington, D.C. would cost you $226.22 per month.
Utilities |
Cost in Washington, DC |
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft apartment t) |
$167.46 |
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
$58.76 |
|
Total |
$226.22 |
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Grocery costs in Washington, DC
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Washington, DC households spent $88,767 in 2020–2021, significantly exceeding the national average of $64,187. The household expenditure in Washington, DC, is approximately 38.28% higher than the national average.
|
Grocery items |
Costs |
|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
$4.18 |
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
$3.43 |
|
Rice (white) (1 lb) |
$2.26 |
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
$4.27 |
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
$6.56 |
|
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
$5.61 |
|
Beef Round (1 lb) |
$7.86 |
|
Apples (1 lb) |
$2.45 |
|
Banana (1 lb) |
$1.10 |
|
Oranges (1 lb) |
$2.63 |
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
$2.69 |
|
Potato (1 lb) |
$1.57 |
|
Onion (1 lb) |
$1.40 |
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
$2.85 |
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
$15.00 |
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
$2.51 |
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
$4.77 |
Numbeo (Sept 2023) & BLS (2022)
Public transit in Washington, DC
Similar to numerous densely populated cities, Washington, D.C. relies heavily on public transportation. The city’s metro system ranks as one of the busiest in the nation. Washington, D.C., Metro will no longer have peak and off-peak hours as of June 2023.
|
Type of fare |
Cost in Washington, DC |
|
Single ticket |
$4.00 |
|
Weekly pass |
$58.00 |
|
Monthly pass |
$192.00 |
Entertainment costs in Washington, DC
Washington, D.C. is packed with famous monuments, free museums, theaters, and cultural events. Whether you love history or art, this city has something for you. The city invests a lot in the arts, and you’ll find cultural festivals happening all year, so there’s always something exciting to do.
|
Entertainment |
Washington, DC |
|
Mid-range restaurant meal |
$50.00 |
|
1h taxi ride |
$30.00 |
|
1 movie ticket |
$15.00 |
Sales tax in Washington, DC
Washington, D.C. imposes various taxes on goods and services. The general sales and use tax rate is 6%, applying to most tangible personal property and selected services delivered within the district. These tax rates contribute to the city’s revenue and help fund various public services and initiatives in Washington, D.C.
Please see below the applicable taxes for specific items:
|
Specific categories |
Applicable Taxes |
|
Softdrinks |
8% |
|
Restaurant meals, liquor, and rental vehicles |
10% |
|
Hotel accommodations |
14.95% |
|
Beer |
$2.79 per barrel |
|
Distilled |
$1.50 per gallon |
|
Cigarettes |
taxed at $4.50 per pack of 20, with an additional surtax of $0.44 per pack, totaling $4.94 |
Healthcare costs in Washington, DC
Washington, DC, has put in place initiatives to ensure that all people, regardless of income or health status, have access to health care. While health insurance costs more in Washington, D.C. than in many places, there are ways to make it affordable. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) can make healthcare cheaper for people who don’t make a lot of money.
|
Type of healthcare |
Cost |
|
Employer-sponsored health insurance |
$129.08 |
|
Non-employer-sponsored health insurance (average cheapest) |
$631.75 |
|
Gym |
$101.65 |
Numbeo (Sept 2023) & EHealthInsurance (Sept 2023)
Conclusion
Living in the Washington, D.C. area is a tough decision to make. The monthly cost for an individual living in this area is $2,860.04, so making a smart move in budgeting is essential.
To prepare for your move, assess the average cost of living using the data provided below and look for the best movers in Washington, DC to assist you. This will help you properly plan your finances and check if living in Washington, DC, is a good fit for you.
|
Category |
Monthly cost |
|
1 bed apt rent outside city center |
$1,960.61 |
|
Groceries Numbeo’s grocery list ($71.14 multiplied by 4) |
$284.56 |
|
Utilities Electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage |
$167.46 |
|
Internet with 60 Mbps |
$58.76 |
|
Transit pass |
$192.00 |
|
Entertainment Meal, taxi, movie |
$95.00 |
|
Gym membership |
$101.65 |
|
Total |
$2,860.04 |
