Washington, D.C. cost of living
Can you afford to live in the nation’s capital?
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Relocating to Washington, D.C., brings the promise of natural beauty, thriving cities and an active lifestyle shaped by the Pacific Northwest. However, moving here also means adjusting to a cost structure that can look different from what you’re used to. From Seattle’s busy urban center to smaller communities along the coast and mountains, understanding everyday expenses is essential for anyone planning a move.
To determine the cost of living in Washington, D.C., our team reviewed data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis to understand average spending. We also used recent sources to gather housing, food, transportation, health care and utility costs for a full picture of everyday expenses.
People in Washington, D.C., spend $92,037 each year on goods and services, on average.
Jump to insightThe median rent in Washington, D.C., is $2,323, versus the national median rent of $1,639.
Jump to insightResidents in Washington, D.C., spend $254.70 weekly on food at home.
Jump to insightAs of August 2025, the average price per gallon of regular gas is $3.29 in Washington, D.C.
Jump to insightRecent data shows that employees in Washington, D.C., pay $1,561 annually for employee-sponsored health insurance coverage.
Jump to insightThe average cost of living in Washington, D.C.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the average annual per-person spending in Washington, D.C., was $92,037 in 2023. This figure reflects what residents typically pay each year for housing, health care, food, energy and a range of other goods and services.
Here’s a breakdown of the largest spending categories in Washington, D.C.:
| Category | Annual per-capita cost in Washington, D.C. |
|---|---|
| Housing and utilities | $16,481 |
| Health care | $13,239 |
| Food and beverages for off-premises consumption | $7,500 |
| Gasoline and other energy goods | $1,532 |
| All other personal consumption expenditures | $53,285 |
| Total cost | $92,037 |
Housing costs in Washington, D.C.
Housing tends to be the largest expense for most Washington, D.C., residents. Based on 2025 data from Apartments.com, the average rent in Washington, D.C., is $2,323, which is higher than the national average rent of $1,639. Renters will see significant variation depending on location and apartment size. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey, monthly rent prices in Washington, D.C., look like this:
- One-bedroom rent: $1,935
- Two-bedroom rent: $1,966
- Three-bedroom rent: $2,630
- Four-bedroom rent: $2,884
For those interested in purchasing a home, the median home price in Washington, D.C., is $690,000, which is noticeably higher than the U.S. median home price of $446,638.
Property taxes should also be considered — Washington, D.C., has one of the highest effective property tax rates in the country at 0.61%.
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Food costs in Washington, D.C.
How much you’ll spend on food in Washington, D.C., depends on a mix of factors, including your shopping habits and whether you prefer to dine out or cook at home. Based on the latest U.S. Census data, the average weekly grocery bill in Washington, D.C., is $254.70, while the national average is $270.21.
Food prices can shift depending on where you live — urban areas like Seattle often see higher restaurant and specialty grocery prices, while smaller towns and rural communities may offer lower-cost options. Families who cook at home, buy local produce or use warehouse clubs can often stretch their food budgets further, but regular dining out or shopping in high-end markets will increase monthly costs.
Transportation costs in Washington, D.C.
Drivers in Washington, D.C., face an average gas price of $3.29 per gallon, which may be lower than what drivers elsewhere pay. For auto insurance, the average premium in Washington, D.C., is $1,628.81, compared with the national average of $1,258.
Health care costs in Washington, D.C.
In Washington, D.C., employees contribute an average of $1,561 per year toward employer-sponsored health insurance, with employers handling the balance of $7,178 for a total annual premium of $8,738.
Across the U.S., the typical employee contribution is $1,640 out of an overall annual premium of $8,182.
Utility costs in Washington, D.C.
Utility costs play a significant role in Washington, D.C., budgets. The average monthly electric bill in Washington, D.C., is $103.85, versus the national average of $136.84.
Natural gas prices are $14.53 per thousand cubic feet in Washington, D.C., compared with $12.92 for the nation.
FAQ
Does Washington, D.C., have a high cost of living?
Yes, Washington, D.C., has a higher cost of living than the national average. Housing costs — including both rent and home prices — are much higher there than in most states, which means families and individuals often face larger monthly payments.
Is Washington, D.C., a good place to live?
Yes, Washington, D.C., is a good place to live if you value access to outdoor recreation, diverse cities and a strong job market. While the cost of living is higher than in much of the U.S., the mix of urban and rural communities appeals to a wide range of people. Many newcomers appreciate the high quality of life and opportunities available, despite higher expenses.
Is Washington, D.C., good for renters?
No, Washington, D.C., is not good for renters. Rent is more expensive there than in most states, and finding available rental units can be challenging.
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- Apartments.com, “Rent Trends.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- Redfin, “Redfin Data Center.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- Tax Foundation, “Where Do People Pay the Most in Property Taxes?” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- United States Census Bureau, “Week 63 Household Pulse Survey: October 18 - October 30.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- AAA Gas Prices, “State Gas Price Averages.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners, “2021/2022 Auto Insurance Database Report.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- KFF, “Average Annual Single Premium per Enrolled Employee For Employer-Based Health Insurance.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- U.S. Energy Information Administration, “2023 Average Monthly Bill- Residential.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
