Cost of Living in District of Columbia

Avg Index: 171

1 cities · Updated March 2026

$1,900
Avg Rent / Month
$106,287
Avg Income
$724,600
Avg Home Value
171
Avg Cost Index
10.75%
Income Tax
6.0%
Sales Tax
Cheapest in District of Columbia
Washington
Index: 171 · Rent: $1,900/mo
Most Expensive in District of Columbia
Washington
Index: 171 · Rent: $1,900/mo

District of Columbia Cost of Living Overview

District of Columbia is more expensive than the national average, with an average cost index of 171 across 1 cities. The average monthly rent across District of Columbia cities is $1,900, with median household incomes averaging $106,287 per year. The cheapest city is Washington (index 171) and the most expensive is Washington (index 171).

With a top income tax rate of 10.75%, District of Columbia has one of the higher tax burdens in the US. The 6.0% sales tax and 0.56% property tax rate add to the overall cost.

All 1 Cities in District of Columbia — Ranked by Cost

Sorted from cheapest to most expensive (US average = 100)

#CityCost Index RentIncomeHome ValuePopulation
1 Washington 171 $1,900/mo $106,287 $724,600 672,079

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about cost of living in District of Columbia

What is the cost of living in District of Columbia?
The average cost of living index across 1 cities in District of Columbia is 171 (US average = 100). Average rent is $1,900/month and median household income averages $106,287/year.
What is the cheapest city in District of Columbia?
The cheapest city in District of Columbia is Washington with a cost index of 171, median rent of $1,900/month, and median income of $106,287/year.
What is the most expensive city in District of Columbia?
The most expensive city in District of Columbia is Washington with a cost index of 171, median rent of $1,900/month, and median income of $106,287/year.
What are taxes like in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia has a top income tax rate of 10.75%, a sales tax of 6.0%, and an effective property tax rate of 0.56%.
How many cities does CostToLive cover in District of Columbia?
We track cost of living data for 1 cities in District of Columbia with populations of 10,000 or more, using US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data.