Topics Cost of Living United States District of Columbia Washington

Population: 705,749

Things To Do Museums Transportation More...

Cost of Living and Inflation in Washington, District of Columbia: What do you need to know?

Recent advice...Jane on Stockport, United Kingdom: xThe old parts of town – the underbank and marketplace are much improved. Heaton moor is an excellent place to live. Read more ›

Recent advice...Esther on Sokoto, Nigeria: xThe state is peaceful; low crime rate, affordable accommodations, low transportation prices, good schools and affordable food with an adequate healthcare system. Read more ›

Recent advice...Refilwe on Bethlehem, South Africa: xBethlehem is a small yet vibrant town with all age groups of people and mixed population when it comes to race. The cost of living is fair. I would highly… Read more ›

Recent advice...lucy on Stockholm, Sweden: xStockholm has amazing water views. The Art scene is fab. The food is amazing. Read more ›

Recent advice...MCHARO on Mombasa, Kenya: xIf you are coming to Mombasa you need to visit the pirates beach, Fort Jesus, which is a historical site and the nature trail which is a natural park. Read more ›

Recent advice...Evy on Brussels, Belgium: xIf moving to Brussels, it’s best to avoid the south of Brussels (Schaarbeek, Etterbeek…) The housing is cheaper but much more dangerous. Belgium is a small country but has very… Read more ›

Recent advice...Agbor on Essen, Germany: xEssen is located in the Northwest Region of Germany. It is an average city with lots of foreigners. It has a very good transport system with many African shops. Read more ›

Recent advice...Cassidy on Bogor, Indonesia: xBe prepared to familiarize yourself with public transport because there are a lot of places that have similar destinations but have different routes. The best way to commute within the… Read more ›

Recent advice...Emmanuel on Nairobi, Kenya: xPlanning to move to Nairobi? Get ready for an exciting mix of city living and thrilling adventures! Experience the lively markets, indulge in mouthwatering street food, and have the awe-inspiring… Read more ›

Recent advice...Pierre on Gaborone, Botswana: xWe live on a homestead, about 12 min drive outside the CBD. The blessing of not having traffic, the vibe of city and nature combined is to die for. Read more ›

Recent advice...Xolani on Johannesburg, South Africa: xJohannesburg residents have a 6th sense about people from here and who understand the unspoken rules of the concrete jungle. Plan your routes, always walk like you know where you… Read more ›

Recent advice...James on Nuremberg, Germany: xSpeaking German would be helpful but not necessary. Cold winters, warm summers, nice people. Finding affordable nice accommodation may be difficult. Read more ›

Recent advice...Evans on Los Angeles, United States: xLos Angeles, often abbreviated as L.A., is the largest city in California and the second-largest in the United States, following New York City. Known for its Mediterranean climate, diverse population,… Read more ›

Recent advice...Neha on Faridabad, India: xWell, I’ve stayed in Faridabad for 9 years. The city has come up and developed quiet a lot since then. There are some good malls and big brands to shop… Read more ›

Recent advice...Frenzer on Nairobi, Kenya: xIf you are moving to Nairobi City, everyone is welcoming and cheerful but if you seem to be a newbie the people will take advantage of it. For example, paying… Read more ›

Recent advice...CamCamBlue on Ann Arbor, United States: xIt’s the most expensive city in Michigan, and fast growing. We have a lovely park system and nice small, surrounding towns. Read more ›

Recent advice...Anne on North Adelaide, Australia: xBest kept secret – clean, friendly, beautiful hills and beaches. Read more ›

Recent advice...Dipti on Vadodara, India: xPeaceful place to stay and roam. Very safe. Read more ›

Recent advice...Shannah on Thibodaux, United States: xThibodaux is a quaint town with affordable homes. It’s a great area to raise children! Read more ›

Recent advice...Kaspars on Chiang Mai, Thailand: xAbsolutely stunning city in the northern part of Thailand. I would say spiritual and food capital of Thailand. There are more than 300 temples scattered around the city. If you… Read more ›

Recent advice...Corne on Bloemfontein, South Africa: xBloemfontein is a very close knit community with friendly people. The town isn’t really clean and well maintained. It has really brilliant schools that are affordable. Read more ›

Recent advice...Felix on Johannesburg, South Africa: xJohannesburg, often referred to as Jo’burg or Jozi, is the largest city in South Africa and the provincial capital of Gauteng, the wealthiest province in the country. Here are some… Read more ›

Recent advice...Noemie on Albuquerque, United States: xFor the US the cost of living is low. There is an abundance of things to do in nature & the pace of life is slower than other US cities.… Read more ›

Recent advice...Simona on Bitola, North Macedonia: xIf someone is moving to Bitola they should be at ease in not spending much money on security CCTV for securing their property, grandmas are out on their balconies/windows 24/7… Read more ›

Recent advice...Ahmed on Samanoud, Egypt: xWelcome to Samanoud, a historic gem in Egypt’s Gharbia Governorate! Once known as Sebennytos, this city features remnants of a temple dedicated to the god Anhur and his lioness goddess… Read more ›

Recent advice...Grace on Kadoma, Zimbabwe: xIf you’re moving to Kadoma you’ll need to be prepared for the heat and the dust. The roads are dusty and bad but the biggest plus is that its rich… Read more ›

Recent advice...Jeff on Minneapolis, United States: x4 wondrous seasons and thriving activities in each. Great park system thriving downtown and the Mississippi River are all here. Welcoming people convey the famous ‘Minnesota Nice’. Several world class… Read more ›

Recent advice...Esther on Lagos, Nigeria: xLagos, Nigeria is a vibrant, rapidly growing hub that’s always buzzing with energy. Known for its beautiful beaches and historic sites, it is a must-visit for anyone with an adventurous… Read more ›

Recent advice...Erick on Singapore: xIt’s the best place for working due to safety, high salary, and great transportation. Singapore is a city that is suitable for any lifestyle whether you live a frugal living… Read more ›

Recent advice...Jamie on Highlands Ranch, United States: xA really lovely suburb of Denver. Incredibly clean, well planned community. Low crime rate. Very walkable. Lots of conveniences nearby. Tons of parks for the kids. Only downside is that… Read more ›

Random City

Featured real estate agent: City Chic Real Estate, DC Realtors
Featured hotel: We don't have one. Suggest one.
Featured immigration attorney: Gerald Cipolla
Featured tour guide: We don't have one. Suggest one.

Here's what 11 local experts had to say about prices and the cost of living in Washington, District of Columbia.

Don’t consider moving to DC unless you have lots of money. Cost of living here is among the highest in the US, especially housing. Traffic is awful most days. Violent crime is on the rise. That stated, it’s a great town for cultural attractions, nightlife, high paying jobs and career opportunities, moderate climate, outdoor activities, sports, fine dining.

HELPFUL REPORT

This town is all about politics. Also good for singles looking for a well educated match. Housing is rather expensive but less than NYC, big California cities, or Boston. Weather is fairly good.

HELPFUL REPORT

In the nation’s capital, most people move around the city via public transport. I have found that taking the metro is typically faster and cheaper than driving and parking in Washington, DC. There are some times that have excessive overcrowding. As such it is better to avoid travel from 8AM to 10AM and 4PM to 7PM.

HELPFUL REPORT

Washington DC is a great place known for not only have the White House, but also having great restaurants that serve great brunch and bottomless mimosas. Washington D. C is known for great transportation, and the expensive cost of living, so you should never dismiss downsizing to save a few dollars.

HELPFUL REPORT

Someone moving to DC should expect high rent prices. However, minimum wage is above the national average to compensate for this. Additionally, there are many cultural sites to visit such as the monuments and Smithsonian museums. Public transit is readily available and is affordable. There are many options including the metro, metrobuses, and circulators.

HELPFUL REPORT

Washington, DC is a great city in which to live, but does tend to be expensive. There are tourist traps with overpriced eats, but if you explore your neighborhood and ask around, you’re sure to find some great local places to nosh. We have to combat seasonal tourist spikes on the Metro but it’s not too bad – just consider your schedule when going anywhere!

HELPFUL REPORT

Washington, DC is a vibrant, but expensive, city. There are plenty of opportunities for well-paying jobs, however. Make sure to secure one of these jobs prior to moving to make the transition to your new home comfortable. Thankfully, there are many free entertainment venues available, such as museums, parks, and concerts. Local newspapers frequently print calendars of events for these activities.

HELPFUL REPORT

Living in Washington, DC is expensive. The southeast quadrant of Washington, DC is the least expensive part of the city in which to live, while the northwest quadrant tends to be the most expensive. Though Washington, DC is an expensive city, there are many benefits that outweigh the cost.

HELPFUL REPORT

Washington, DC is a very expensive city in which to live, but there are also many benefits to living here. One can enjoy free and educational museums and gorgeous walks near and around federal monuments. There is also a lot to do for young professionals or those seeking out family-based activities.

HELPFUL REPORT

Washington, DC, is a very cosmopolitan city. They should expect to eat great food and enjoy the various cultural offerings the city has to offer. They should also know that housing in the city can be quite expensive so they should conduct adequate research on housing options before making the decision to move.

HELPFUL REPORT

If moving to DC, you must know that encountering slow, confused tourists will be a part of your daily life. The city is full of life, exciting activities, and mouth-watering food, but this comes at a price. Like many cities, there is an abundance of filth, poorly kept transit, and poverty.

HELPFUL REPORT

Things To Do Museums Transportation More...

History Quality of Life Restaurants Parks Weather Housing Nightlife Sports Music Jobs Education Politics Art Shopping Pros and Cons Traffic Safety and Crime Parking Downtown Diversity Military Income Inequality Homelessness

Cost of Living and Inflation in Washington, District of Columbia: What do you need to know?

Sign up for the Crowdsourced Explorer newsletter

Help other people by sharing tips about your city:

Help others learn about the world:

Possibly win $100 by telling us about your city:

Tell us about your city in 60 seconds:

Participate in the CE community:

Leave a comment

Thank you!