District of Columbia • 2026 Data

Cost of Living in Washington, District of Columbia

Overall cost of living: +39% vs national average

Detailed housing, grocery, healthcare, and utility cost data for Washington.

Housing

+148% vs avg

Utilities

-3% vs avg

Groceries

+10% vs avg

Transportation

—

Housing & Utilities

+148% vs avg

Median Home Price

$1,323,567

Median Rent

$3,972 / month

Energy Bill

$212.87 / month

Phone Bill

$189.90 / month

Gas (per gallon)

$3.20 / gallon

Food & Grocery

+10% vs avg

Loaf of Bread

$4.51

Gallon of Milk

$5.23

Carton of Eggs

$5.16

Bunch of Bananas

$0.85

Hamburger

$6.38

Healthcare

Doctor's Visit

$148.45

Dentist Visit

$119.25

Optometrist Visit

$135.21

Rx Drug

$21.49

Veterinary Visit

$70.25

Washington in the Context of District of Columbia

State Avg Cost Index108.9

State Avg Rent$3,972/mo

State Income Tax10.75%

Cities in State3

Other Cities in District of Columbia

View all 3 cities in District of Columbia →

About Living in Washington, District of Columbia

Washington is located in District of Columbia and has an overall cost of living that is +39% compared to the national average. Understanding the full picture of living expenses — from housing and rent to grocery bills and healthcare — is essential when considering a move to Washington.

Housing: Median rent in Washington is $3,972 / month, and the median home price is $1,323,567. Housing costs are +148% compared to the national average, which significantly impacts monthly budgets.

Groceries: Daily essentials like bread ($4.51), milk ($5.23), and eggs ($5.16) reflect the local grocery landscape. Overall grocery costs are +10% vs the national average.

Healthcare: Medical costs include doctor visits ($148.45), dentist visits ($119.25), and prescription drugs ($21.49). These costs should be factored into your monthly budget when planning a move.

District of Columbia has a state income tax rate of 10.75%, which affects take-home pay for Washington residents.

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All District of Columbia Cities

Compare Washington with all 3 cities in District of Columbia.

Washington, District of Columbia Cost of Living FAQ

Common questions about living costs in Washington.

Washington, District of Columbia has an overall cost of living that is +39% the national average. Housing costs are +148% vs the national average. Grocery prices are +10% vs average. Utilities are -3% vs average. This makes Washington a relatively expensive city.

The median rent in Washington, District of Columbia is $3,972 / month. Average energy bills run $212.87 / month. Phone bills average $189.90 / month. Housing is typically the largest expense for residents.

Healthcare costs in Washington: doctor's visit averages $148.45, dentist visit averages $119.25, prescription drugs average $21.49. Overall healthcare expenses in the area are influenced by the +10% grocery cost difference.

Washington is one of 3 cities tracked in District of Columbia. With an overall cost +39% vs the national average, it tends to be pricier than some smaller communities. Visit our District of Columbia state page to compare all cities side-by-side and find the best fit for your budget.

Washington offers cost of living +39% compared to the national average. Key factors to consider: median home price of $1,323,567, rent of $3,972 / month, and a state income tax of 10.75% in District of Columbia. Explore our detailed cost breakdown above to see if Washington fits your budget.