How much does it cost to live in Washington DC?

Typical monthly costs in Washington DC are approximately $2,600 in rent and $2,200 in other expenses, totalling around $4,800/month.

How much should I save in Washington DC?

Based on BLS Consumer Expenditure Survey 2023, people at mid-range incomes in United States typically save 12–20% of gross income. In a very high cost city like Washington DC, housing costs can reduce this, particularly for renters.

Washington DC · USD · very high cost city

Cost of living in Washington DC — is your salary enough?

Washington DC median rent is $2,600/month, sustained by dense federal and professional employment. DC's high income levels partially offset elevated housing costs, but mid-income earners still face a compressed savings ratio.

Rent in Washington DC

Budget$2,000 – $2,350/mo

Typical$2,600 – $3,000/mo

Premium$3,400+/mo

Other monthly costs

Food, transport, bills, going out~$2,200/mo

Total typical monthly spend~$4,800/mo

How different incomes stack up

At typical Washington DC costs ($2,600 rent)

$40,000 – $55,000→ saving -55.4%

Critical

$55,000 – $75,000→ saving -24.8%

Critical

$75,000 – $100,000→ saving 7.3%

Falling Behind

See your personal verdict for Washington DC

Country

Annual income (gross)$65,000

$20,000$235,000$450,000+

Monthly rent or mortgage$2,600/mo

$0$4,000$8,000+

Other monthly expenses

Food, transport, subscriptions, going out — everything except rent

$1,750/mo

$0$3,750$7,500+

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Cost figures are estimates based on reported median rents and typical spending patterns. Savings benchmarks from BLS Consumer Expenditure Survey 2023. Figures in USD.

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Also in the Verdict suite

SalaryVerdict — Is your Washington DC salary competitive?SpendVerdict — Is your Washington DC rent too high?