Cost of Living in Washington, District of Columbia (2026)
COL Index
153
100 = US avg
1BR Rent
$3,100
per month
Median HHI
$100K
per year
State Tax
5.8%
income tax
Full cost breakdown
| Category | Washington |
|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | |
| Studio rent/mo | $2,400 |
| 1BR rent/mo | $3,100 |
| 2BR rent/mo | $4,200 |
| Median home price | $650K |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | |
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 111 |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $18 |
| Mid-range dinner (2 people) | $75 |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | |
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $100 |
| Gas price/gal | $3.60 |
| Car insurance/moCompare rates → | $185 |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | |
| Utilities bundle (elec + gas + water)/mo | $190 |
| Internet/mo | $75 |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | |
| Median household income/yr | $100K |
| State income tax rate | 5.8% |
| Sales tax (combined) | 6.0% |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | |
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 153 |
| Walk score / 100 | 77 |
Is Washington affordable on your salary?
How rent burden (1BR) changes across income levels. Under 30% is comfortable; above 40% is tight.
$40K
~$2,535/mo take-home
122% rent burden · Difficult
$50K
~$2,919/mo take-home
106% rent burden · Difficult
$60K
~$3,503/mo take-home
88% rent burden · Difficult
$75K
~$4,378/mo take-home
71% rent burden · Difficult
$80K
~$4,670/mo take-home
66% rent burden · Difficult
$100K
~$5,838/mo take-home
53% rent burden · Difficult
$120K
~$6,575/mo take-home
47% rent burden · Difficult
$150K
~$8,219/mo take-home
38% rent burden · Tight
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Data: Zillow Observed Rent Index, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, US Census ACS · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only