Last updated 2026-06-12 ยท MovePlan Editorial Team
Expensive, with high housing costs typical of a major coastal job center.
Cost of living index (US avg = 100): 152
Median 2BR rent: $3,000/mo
Housing: 165 vs 100
Groceries: 110 vs 100
Utilities: 103 vs 100
Transportation: 102 vs 100
Healthcare: 105 vs 100
Washington DC offers government and policy careers, walkability, and museums, alongside high housing costs. Strong transit lets many residents trim transportation spending.