Washington D.C.
United States · North America
$3,900
Monthly Cost
avg/person
95
Cost Index
NYC=100
96
Rent Index
NYC=100
70
Quality of Life
Good
48
Safety Index
Below Average
0.7M
Population
USD
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources. Updated monthly. Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $20 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $85 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $12 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $7 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $8 |
| Cappuccino | $6 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $3.5 |
| Water (0.33L) | $2.5 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $1.2 |
| Bread (500g) | $3.5 |
| Rice (1kg) | $2.5 |
| Eggs (12) | $5 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $12 |
| Beef (1kg) | $16 |
| Apples (1kg) | $4.5 |
| Banana (1kg) | $1.8 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $4.8 |
| Potato (1kg) | $2.6 |
| Onion (1kg) | $2.1 |
| Water (1.5L) | $2.1 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $2.25 |
| Monthly Pass | $100 |
| Taxi 1km | $2.5 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.05 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $32000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $26000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $140 |
| Mobile Plan | $62 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $62 |
| Fitness Club/month | $88 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $2,800/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $1,950/mo |
| 3BR Center | $5,500/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $3,500/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $11,000/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $7,500/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $5800 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 6.8% |
Cost of Living in Washington D.C. — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Washington D.C., United States is approximately $3,900 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Washington D.C. has a cost index of 95, making it around 5% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Washington D.C. costs around $1,950/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $2,800/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $5,500/month. The rent index is 96 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Washington D.C. scores 70/100 on the quality of life index and 48/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 76/100. The climate index is 62/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Washington D.C. is approximately $5,800/month. With a purchasing power index of 90/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is USD, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
How does Washington D.C. compare to other cities?
Washington D.C. is located in North America with a population of approximately 0.7M. At a cost index of 95 (NYC = 100), it is a mid-range city in terms of global cost of living. Use the free comparison tool to see how Washington D.C. stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.