Cost of Living in District of Columbia, District of Columbia
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
These figures are county medians, not a personal budget. Use them to frame rent, ownership, and income tradeoffs, then account for household size, commute, financing, insurance, taxes, debt, and local availability before making a decision.
How District of Columbia Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
District of Columbia ranks #3,107 of 3,142 counties for affordability (bottom 1%)
Sourced county brief
District of Columbia Median Home Value Estimated at $737,100
In the District of Columbia, the median home value was estimated at $737,100 according to the U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020-2024 5-Year Estimates. This figure matches the unweighted county mean for the jurisdiction. For renter-occupied housing units, the official median gross rent as a percentage of household income (GRAPI) from table B25071 was 28.6%. This official GRAPI metric is identical to the unweighted county mean for the District. The median gross rent for the area was $1,954 per month, while the median renter-household income was recorded at $76,809. Among owner-occupied households, the median selected monthly owner cost for all units was $2,596, which aligns with the unweighted county mean. These statistics provide a snapshot of housing costs and income levels based on federal surveys. See ACS table B25071 for the underlying estimate.
Source record
- U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020-2024 5-Year Estimates — B25064 Median Gross Rent
- U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020-2024 5-Year Estimates — B25071 GRAPI
- U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020-2024 5-Year Estimates — B25077 Median Home Value
- U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020-2024 5-Year Estimates — B25088 Selected Monthly Owner Costs
- U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020-2024 5-Year Estimates — B25119 Household Income by Tenure
Data version acs5-2020-2024 · Method cost-brief-v1
Cost of Living Advisory: District of Columbia
Affordability Verdict
ACS B25071 estimates median gross rent at 28.6% of renter household income in District of Columbia, which is below the 30% affordability benchmark. This is a median percentage among renter-occupied units, not the share of households above a threshold.
Rent vs. Own
Median gross rent is $1,954 per month; median selected monthly owner costs are $2,596. These ACS medians describe different tenure groups and are not a personalized rent-versus-buy calculation.
Income Needed
Using the common 30% budgeting benchmark, $78,160 in annual gross income would allocate 30% to the county's median gross rent. This is a reproducible illustration, not evidence that a particular household can afford housing.
Regional Context
The District of Columbia unweighted mean of county median rents is $1,954 per month. District of Columbia's $1,954 median is 0.0% above that comparison value.
Data version acs5-2020-2024 · Method cost-advisory-v2
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in District of Columbia
Rent Burden
21.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,564
per month
Owner Cost Burden
28.4%
of gross income
The median home in District of Columbia may be a stretch
Median home value is $737,100. Estimated monthly cost: $5,885 vs. your max of $2,564.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in District of Columbia, District of Columbia?
What is the median rent in District of Columbia?
Is District of Columbia affordable?
How does District of Columbia's rent compare to the state average?
What is the median home value in District of Columbia?
Counties with Similar Housing Costs
Planning a Move?
Researching the cost of living in District of Columbia, District of Columbia? Compare moving quotes from top providers and save on your relocation.
Compare Moving QuotesCompare Mortgage Rates in District of Columbia
Whether you're buying in District of Columbia, District of Columbia, or refinancing, compare rates from top lenders using the terms each lender provides.
See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2020-2024). Data is informational only and is not personalized financial advice.
CostByCounty participates in affiliate programs. We may earn a commission when you use our links, at no extra cost to you.