Cost of Living in District of Columbia, DC

Modeled annual cost: $70,853.

Median family income: $150,381.

Affordability Snapshot

DC County Median

$70,853

State Rank

1thMost expensive counties in DC out of 1See District of Columbia county rankings

Median Income

$150,381

Location Type

Metro

Biggest category:

Housing is the biggest expense in District of Columbia, DC.

$22,995 per year.

Cost breakdown

Total

$70,853

Per year

  • Housing:$22,995
  • Taxes:$16,596
  • Transport:$10,102
  • Other Costs:$8,827
  • Healthcare:$6,899
  • Food:$5,435
  • Childcare:$0

* Percentages may not add up to 100% due to rounding.

See how District of Columbia, DC compares across the country.

Explore our cost of living interactive map to compare District of Columbia, DC with multiple counties in the United States.

How WatchPennies calculates salary needed
Cost of Living in District of Columbia, DC (2026)