Cost of Living in Washington DC, United States

Washington DC has a cost of living index of 143/100 (New York = 100). It is 43% more expensive than New York. Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

143/100
Cost Index
$6,200/mo
Median Income
35/100
Safety Index
humid continental
Climate

Cost Breakdown by Category

HousingScore: 85/100
1-Bed Apartment (City Center)$2,300/month
1-Bed Apartment (Outside Center)$1,800/month
3-Bed Apartment (City Center)$3,600/month
Food & GroceriesScore: 62/100
Milk (1 liter)$1.13/liter
Bread (500g loaf)$4.57/loaf
Rice (1 kg)$7.03/kg
Dining OutScore: 68/100
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant$28/meal
Meal for 2 (Mid-Range)$118/meal
McMeal at McDonald's$12/meal
TransportationScore: 58/100
Monthly Transit Pass$105/month
One-Way Ticket$2.5/trip
Taxi (1 km)$2.2/km
UtilitiesScore: 42/100
Basic (Elec, Heat, Water, Garbage) 85m2$380/month
Internet (60+ Mbps)$65/month
Mobile Plan (10GB+)$40/month
HealthcareScore: 68/100
Doctor Visit (15 min)$120/visit
Dentist Visit$130/visit
Prescription Medicine (avg)$25/course
EntertainmentScore: 65/100
Cinema Ticket (1 seat)$15/ticket
Theater Ticket$60/ticket
Museum Entry$15/ticket
FitnessScore: 62/100
Gym Membership (monthly)$75/month
Tennis Court Rent (1 hr)$30/hour
Swimming Pool (adult entry)$12/entry
Personal CareScore: 58/100
Haircut (Men)$35/cut
Haircut (Women)$55/cut
Shampoo (400ml)$8/bottle
ClothingScore: 65/100
Jeans (Levi's or similar)$75/pair
Summer Dress (Zara/H&M)$50/piece
Running Shoes (Nike/Adidas)$110/pair

Digital Nomad Profile

940 Mbps
Internet Speed
$350
Coworking/Month
excellent
Café WiFi
high
English Level
large
Nomad Community
75/100
Walkability

Best neighborhoods: Capitol Hill, Downtown/Penn Quarter, Logan Circle

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Washington DC cheap to live in?

Washington DC has a cost of living index of 143/100, where New York = 100. It is 43% more expensive than New York. A single person can live comfortably for approximately $2,860–$4,004 per month.

How much does rent cost in Washington DC?

A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center of Washington DC costs approximately $2,300/month. Outside the center, expect to pay around $1,800/month.

Is Washington DC good for digital nomads?

Washington DC has a large digital nomad community. Average internet speed is 940 Mbps, café wifi reliability is excellent, and coworking spaces run about $350/month. English proficiency is high.

What is the average salary in Washington DC?

The median net monthly salary in Washington DC is approximately $6,200 USD. The income tax rate is around 7.5%.

How does Washington DC compare to New York for cost of living?

Washington DC (cost index 143) is 43% more expensive than New York (cost index 100).

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