Cost of Living in Washington D.C., United States
United States · North America
Cost of Living in Washington D.C.: Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Washington D.C., United States is approximately $3,900 per month for one person. This page covers rent, groceries, transportation, utilities, salaries and quality of life. The cost of living index is 95, using New York City as the 100-point benchmark.
$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
| 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
The cost of living in Washington D.C., United States, depends mainly on housing, transportation, food, utilities and lifestyle. The estimated monthly cost for one person is $3,900. The city's cost of living index is 95, compared with a New York City benchmark of 100.
Monthly Expenses in Washington D.C.
A typical monthly budget in Washington D.C. includes rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and other everyday expenses. Housing is usually one of the largest parts of the monthly budget.
Rent and Housing Costs in Washington D.C.
A one-bedroom apartment outside the city center costs approximately $1,950 per month, while a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $2,800. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $5,500 per month.
Average Salary in Washington D.C.
The average net salary in Washington D.C. is approximately $5,800 per month. Purchasing power is rated 90out of 100.
Is Washington D.C. Expensive to Live In?
With a cost of living index of 95,Washington D.C. is less expensive than the New York City benchmark. Housing, groceries and transportation are important factors when comparing the total monthly cost.
Quality of Life in Washington D.C.
Safety
Washington D.C. has a safety score of 48/100. Safety is one of the factors to consider when comparing living costs and choosing a city.
Healthcare
Healthcare in Washington D.C. is rated 76/100. Healthcare access and medical costs can affect the total monthly budget for residents and families.
Climate
The climate index for Washington D.C. is 62/100. Climate and seasonal conditions can influence housing, transport and lifestyle expenses.
Purchasing Power
Washington D.C. has a purchasing power score of 90/100. Comparing salary levels with living expenses provides a better picture of affordability than looking at rent alone.
Living in Washington D.C.
Cost of Living for Students
Students should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, utilities and study expenses. Shared housing and public transportation may reduce monthly expenses.
Cost of Living for Expats
Expats considering Washington D.C. should compare rent, healthcare, transportation, taxes, groceries and salary levels before relocating.
Cost of Living for Remote Workers
Remote workers can compare housing, transportation, internet, food and purchasing power to estimate whether Washington D.C. fits their monthly budget.
Is Washington D.C. Affordable?
Affordability depends on income and housing choices. The cost index of 95provides a useful benchmark when comparing Washington D.C. with other cities.
Key Cost of Living Facts for Washington D.C.
- Average Monthly Cost
- $3,900
- Cost Index
- 95
- Rent Index
- 96
- Average Net Salary
- $5,800
- Quality of Life
- 70/100
- Safety
- 48/100
- Healthcare
- 76/100
- Currency
- USD
Frequently Asked Questions About Washington D.C.
What is the cost of living in Washington D.C.?
The estimated cost of living in Washington D.C., United States, is approximately $3,900 per month for one person. This estimate includes major living expenses such as housing, food, transportation and utilities.
How much is rent in Washington D.C.?
A one-bedroom apartment outside the center costs approximately $1,950 per month, while a one-bedroom apartment in the center costs about $2,800.
Is Washington D.C. expensive to live in?
Washington D.C. has a cost index of 95 compared with New York City's benchmark of 100. The overall affordability depends on housing, salary and lifestyle.
What is the average salary in Washington D.C.?
The average net salary in Washington D.C. is approximately $5,800 per month.
Is Washington D.C. good for expats?
Expats should evaluate housing, salaries, transportation, healthcare, safety and quality of life before deciding whether Washington D.C. is suitable for relocation.