Washington, District of Columbia has an overall cost of living index of 111.2, which is 11.2 points above the US average of 100 — making it pricier than most American cities. Renters pay a median of $1,900 per month, while the typical home is valued around $724,600. Households earn a median of $106,287 per year, leaving rent at a manageable share of income for many residents. Air quality is moderate, with an average AQI of 58. The figures below cover housing, local wages by occupation, demographics, and air quality, all drawn from the US Census Bureau, BEA, HUD, and EPA.
Median Household Income
$106,287
Annual · Census ACS
Median Gross Rent
$1,900
Per month · Census ACS
Median Home Value
$724,600
Census ACS
Cost of Living Index
111.2
BEA RPP · US avg = 100
1BR Fair Market Rent
N/A
HUD FMR
2BR Fair Market Rent
N/A
HUD FMR
3BR Fair Market Rent
N/A
HUD FMR
HUD Fair Market Rent = 40th percentile gross rent · FY2024
Each category is indexed to the US average of 100. Below 100 = cheaper than average.
Overall
111.2
Goods
106.9
Rents / Housing
157.1
Services
101.7
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (metro-level)
State Income Tax
10.75%
Top marginal rate
State Sales Tax
6.00%
Statewide base rate (local add-ons may apply)
Source: Tax Foundation (2024)
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| 💻Software Developer | $148,480 |
| 🏥Registered Nurse | $99,000 |
| 📚Elementary Teacher | $81,560 |
| ⚡Electrician | $75,850 |
| 📊Accountant | $104,850 |
Source: BLS OEWS 2023 (metro-level data)
Population
672,079
Latest estimate
Median Age
34.9 yrs
Census ACS
Average AQI
58.0
Source: EPA AirNow
What is the cost of living index for Washington?
Washington has a Regional Price Parity (RPP) index of 111.2. The US national average is 100, so Washington is 11.2 points above the national average.
What is the median rent in Washington?
The median gross rent in Washington is $1,900 per month according to US Census ACS data.
What is the median household income in Washington?
The median household income in Washington is $106,287 per year.
What is the median home value in Washington?
The median home value in Washington is $724,600 based on the latest Census ACS survey.
How is the air quality in Washington?
Washington has an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 58.0, which is rated "Moderate" by the EPA. Lower AQI values indicate cleaner air.
What are the taxes like in Washington?
District of Columbia has a top state income tax rate of 10.75% and a statewide sales tax of 6.00% (local rates may add to this). Source: Tax Foundation, 2024.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology