Living Cost Compare

Cost of Living in District of Columbia

Based on 1 city we track in District of Columbia.

Cost of living in District of Columbia is shaped mostly by rent across the 1 city we track there. A one-bedroom apartment runs around $1,885 a month — 58% higher than the $1,191 median across the 28 states we track.

Median household income across those cities is $106,287, 48% higher than the $71,716 median across the states we track. District of Columbia has a top state income tax rate of 10.75% and a 6% state sales tax.

State Medians

Median 1BR Rent
$1,885
Median Home Value
$724,600
Median Income
$106,287
Avg Temperature
58.2°F

Medians across the District of Columbia cities we track — not a statewide population-weighted figure.

State Taxes

State Sales Tax
6%
State Income Tax (top rate)
Up to 10.75%

Cities in District of Columbia

Compare District of Columbia with

ArizonaCaliforniaColoradoFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIllinoisIndianaKentuckyLouisianaMarylandMinnesotaMissouriNebraskaNevadaNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaTennesseeTexasVirginiaWashingtonWisconsin

District of Columbia cost of living — FAQ

Is District of Columbia expensive to live in?
District of Columbia is among the most expensive of the 28 states we track. Its median one-bedroom rent of $1,885 ranks #1 of 28 and is 58% higher than the $1,191 median.
What is the average rent in District of Columbia?
Across the 1 city we track in District of Columbia, average rent runs a studio around $1,763, a one-bedroom around $1,885, a two-bedroom around $1,949, a three-bedroom around $2,249 per month (US Census ACS).
What is the median home price in District of Columbia?
The median home value across the cities we track in District of Columbia is $724,600 — 128% higher than the $317,950 median across the states we track.
Does District of Columbia have a state income tax?
Yes — District of Columbia's top state income tax rate is 10.75% (most filers pay less than the top rate). Its state sales tax rate is 6%; local jurisdictions may add more.
How much do you need to earn to live in District of Columbia?
To keep a one-bedroom rent of $1,885 near the recommended 30% of gross income, you'd want to earn roughly $75,000 a year. Median household income across the cities we track in District of Columbia is $106,287.

Sources: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year; NOAA Climate Normals 1981–2010; Tax Foundation 2026 (state taxes).