Cost of Living in District of Columbia (DC)
Compare costs across 1 District of Columbia cities. From home services to salaries, see how DC stacks up against the national average.
Is District of Columbia Affordable?
District of Columbia's average cost index is 152, which is above the national baseline of 100. Washington is the most affordable tracked city in DC at index 152, while Washington is the most expensive at index 152.
The gap between the cheapest and most expensive tracked cities is 0 index points, so state-level averages should be used as a map, not a final budget.
What Drives the Statewide Cost Picture?
District of Columbia is above the national cost baseline across tracked cities.
Washington has a cost index of 152.
Washington has a cost index of 152.
Average median household income across 1 tracked DC cities.
Cheapest and Most Expensive Cities in District of Columbia
| City | Population | Cost Index | Median Income | Tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | 690K | 152 | $91K | major |
District of Columbia State Taxes (2026)
Headline tax rates that affect your real take-home pay and total cost of living in District of Columbia.
State Planning Checklist
- Start with Washington if the priority is lowest recurring cost inside District of Columbia.
- Compare Washington against salary and tax advantages before assuming the higher-cost city is worse.
- Use city pages for rent, salary, insurance, and local service costs before making a relocation decision.
Cost by Category Across District of Columbia
Business Startup Costs
Legal Services
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Popular District of Columbia cost & affordability searches
Frequently Asked Questions: District of Columbia Cost of Living
What is the cost of living in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia's average cost-of-living index is 152, which is 52% above the U.S. baseline of 100. Across 1 tracked cities, costs span from index 152 in Washington to 152 in Washington.
What is the cheapest city to live in District of Columbia?
Washington is the most affordable tracked city in District of Columbia, with a cost index of 152 — roughly 52% above the national average.
What is the most expensive city in District of Columbia?
Washington is the most expensive tracked city in District of Columbia, at a cost index of 152. The gap between Washington and Washington is 0 index points, so always budget at the city level.
What is the average household income in District of Columbia?
The average median household income across 1 tracked District of Columbia cities is about $90,842 per year.
Does District of Columbia have a state income tax?
Yes. District of Columbia levies a progressive state income tax at 4-10.75%, which affects your real take-home pay.
How much is sales tax in District of Columbia?
The combined sales tax in District of Columbia averages 6% — 6% at the state level plus 0% in average local tax.