2026 city cost profile
Cost of Living in Washington, District of Columbia
Washington, District of Columbia has an overall cost of living index of 142.9, which is 43% above the national average.
Index
142.9
43% above the national average
Key stats
Index
142.9
National average = 100
Rent
$3,800
Estimated average monthly rent
Home price
$705,000
Estimated median home price
Income
$120,000
Estimated median household income
Category breakdown
Category indexes use 100 as the U.S. national average baseline.
| Category | City index | National average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 201 | 100 | +101.0% |
| Groceries | 117 | 100 | +17.0% |
| Transportation | 109 | 100 | +9.0% |
| Healthcare | 111 | 100 | +11.0% |
| Utilities | 104 | 100 | +4.0% |
| Miscellaneous | 118 | 100 | +18.0% |
Salary needed
Single adult
$119,000
Estimated comfortable annual salary
Family of four
$262,000
Estimated comfortable annual salary
Monthly budget examples
Single
$6,720
Couple
$11,160
Family
$15,720
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Frequently Asked Questions
Last updated: Q1 2026
Data as of Q1 2026. Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau, HUD Fair Market Rents.
Cost of living indexes use the national average as baseline (100). Data is updated periodically.