Cost of Living in District of Columbia
District of Columbia has 1 city with cost-of-living data on CompareLiving, drawn from US Census, BEA, HUD, and EPA sources.
District of Columbia at a Glance
Cities Tracked
1
with census data
Avg Cost Index
109.5
US avg = 100
Avg Median Rent
$1,954
per month
Avg Household Income
$109,870
annual median
Most & Least Affordable Cities
Most Affordable
| # | City | Cost Index |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington | 109.5 |
Most Expensive
| # | City | Cost Index |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington | 109.5 |
Cost Index = BEA Regional Price Parity (US avg = 100)
Popular Cities in District of Columbia
District of Columbia Cities — Full Table
Click columns to sort
| Washington | 681,294 | 109.5 | $1,954 | $737,100 | $109,870 |
Cost Index = BEA Regional Price Parity (US avg = 100) · Income & Rent = US Census ACS
Moving Guides Involving District of Columbia
Compare District of Columbia cities head-to-head
Use our comparison tool to put any two cities side by side. Or explore national rankings to see how District of Columbia cities stack up across the US.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cost of Living in District of Columbia
What is the cost of living in District of Columbia?
The average cost of living index across cities in District of Columbia is approximately 109.5 (US average = 100), which is slightly above the US average. Median gross rent averages around $1,954/month and median household income averages around $109,870/year.
What are the cheapest cities to live in District of Columbia?
The most affordable cities in District of Columbia by cost of living index are: 1. Washington (index 109.5).
What is the median rent in District of Columbia?
The average median gross rent across cities in District of Columbia is approximately $1,954/month. Rent varies significantly by city and neighborhood — use the city profiles below for specific figures.
What are the income tax rates in District of Columbia?
State income tax information for District of Columbia is not yet available in our database.
What is the sales tax in District of Columbia?
Sales tax information for District of Columbia is not yet available in our database.
Is it expensive to move to District of Columbia?
District of Columbia has a cost of living index of approximately 109.5 and average median rent around $1,954/month. It is somewhat above the US average in cost, so factor that into your relocation budget. Use our moving guides for salary equivalence calculations.
Data last updated: June 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, Tax Foundation · Methodology