Washington DC, DC, US
Nation's capital with free museums, political energy, and a highly educated workforce.
Very High vs US Avg (100)
Very Expensive
Household income
Job market health
Washington DC vs US Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 8.9%
- Sales Tax: 6.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: $90,000
- Unemployment: 3.8%
- Population: 671,803
Climate
- Sunny Days: 203/year
- Summer High: 88°F
- Winter Low: 29°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 5b
Housing
- Median Home: $650,000
- 1BR Rent: $2400/mo
Cost of Living
Washington DC's cost of living index is 152.1 (US average = 100).
| Category | Washington DC | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 152.1 | 100 | +52.1% |
| Housing | 228.4 | 100 | +128.4% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $650,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $2400/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $3,000/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | $433 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Washington DC:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $155 | Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | $79 | Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric |
| Cooling (AC) | $6 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | $75 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | $55 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | $370 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Washington DC scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Washington DC has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 49°F | 29°F | 2.5" |
| April | 73°F | 44°F | 2.8" |
| July | 88°F | 63°F | 1.5" |
| October | 68°F | 47°F | 2.2" |
Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Washington DC faces the following natural hazards:
River and coastal flooding.
Summer heat waves.
Winter storms.
Tornado risk.
Minor seismic activity.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 8.95%
- Sales Tax: 6%
- Property Tax: ~0.57% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.8%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Washington DC per 100,000 residents:
Data source: FBI Uniform Crime Reporting
Schools & Education
Data source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Washington DC, DC, US?
The cost of living index in Washington DC is 152.1, which is Higher the US national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Washington DC?
The median home price in Washington DC is $650,000. The housing index is 228.4.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Washington DC is approximately $2400/mo.
Does Washington DC, DC have income tax?
Washington DC is in DC, which has an income tax rate of 8.95%.
What is the climate like in Washington DC?
Washington DC enjoys approximately 203 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 88°F, while winter lows can drop to around 29°F.
Relocation Guides
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: August 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.