District of Columbia
DCSouth · 1 city tracked · Updated 2026
Washington, DC is more expensive than the national average. In Washington, the one city we track, the cost of living index averages 132 (US = 100) and typical rent averages $2,407 a month, 25% above the national figure of $1,932.
State Averages
Avg Gas Price
$4.26
Regular unleaded
Avg Rent
$2,407
All units/mo
Avg COL Index
132
vs. 100 national avg
District of Columbia Cost of Living Analysis
Where the money goes
The biggest cost pressure in Washington, DC is electricity, at 41% above the national average.
Rent trend
Rent rose an average of 1.3% over the past year in Washington, the one city we track, slower than the 2.7% national change.
Affordability
Rent, gas, groceries, electricity and car insurance take about 40% of median household income in the counties we track, which ranks the 15th lowest of 51 states. Median household income there averages $106,287 (Census ACS 2023). Groceries are counted at what the average household in the region spends on food at home (BLS Consumer Expenditure Survey).
Energy and driving
Regular gas costs $4.26 a gallon, 7% above the $3.98 national average. A typical electric bill runs about $234 a month versus $166 nationally, and full coverage car insurance averages $2,580 a year versus $2,150.
Groceries
Grocery prices in the South rose 1.7% over the past year (BLS food at home), compared with 1.8% nationally. Item prices on our city pages are national BLS averages, so local stores may be higher or lower.
Built from the AAA, Zillow, EIA, Bankrate, BLS and Census data on this site. National comparisons use typical rent of $1,932 a month and gas of $3.98 a gallon. See the methodology.
Cities in District of Columbia
Median Household Income by County
Source: Census ACS 5-Year 2023 · 1 counties
| County | Median Income |
|---|---|
| 1District of Columbia | $106,287 |
District of Columbia Cost of Living FAQ
Is Washington, DC expensive to live in?
Washington, DC is about 32% more expensive than the national average. In Washington, the one city we track, the cost of living index averages 132, where 100 is the US average.
What is the average rent in Washington, DC?
Typical rent in Washington, DC averages $2,407 a month in Washington, the one city we track as of September 2026, 25% above the national typical rent of $1,932. That ranks the 3rd highest of 51 states. The figure is the Zillow Observed Rent Index for all home types.
What is the cheapest city to live in Washington, DC?
We currently track one city in Washington, DC, Washington, with a cost of living index of 132.
How much is gas in Washington, DC?
Regular unleaded averages $4.26 a gallon in Washington, DC as of November 11, 2026 (AAA state average), 7% above the national average of $3.98. That is the 11th most expensive of 51 states.
Is rent going up in Washington, DC?
Rent in Washington, DC rose an average of 1.3% over the past year in Washington, the one city we track, compared with a 2.7% change nationally.
How much is electricity in Washington, DC?
Residential electricity in Washington, DC averages 26.0 cents per kWh (EIA), versus 18.4 cents nationally. At 900 kWh a month, a typical bill is about $234.
How much is car insurance in Washington, DC?
Full coverage car insurance in Washington, DC averages $2,580 a year, or about $215 a month (Bankrate and NAIC), compared with $2,150 a year nationally. That is the 8th highest of 51 states.