Cost of Living in Washington, DC
Population: 672,079 • 2026 Data
$106,287
Median Household Income
+37% vs national
$1,900
Median Monthly Rent
+41% vs national
$724,600
Median Home Value
+114% vs national
6.4%
Unemployment Rate
Housing in Washington
The median home value in Washington, DC is $724,600. Monthly rent for a typical unit averages $1,900, while total monthly housing costs (including utilities and insurance) average $2,103.
Rent-to-income ratio: 21.5%. This is within the recommended 30% threshold, suggesting housing is relatively affordable for median-income earners.
Income and Employment
The median household income in Washington, DC is $106,287. The unemployment rate stands at 6.4%, with a labor force of 400,621 people.
Data Sources
All data from the US Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. National median figures used for comparison context.