🇺🇸 DC, United States · #17 of 546 cities · 2026

Cost of Living in Washington

17.4% above the United States average

Ranked #17 of 546 cities · More expensive than 96.9% of cities worldwide

Compared to United States average

Rent Prices

Rent Prices in Washington

Apartment City Centre Outside Centre You Save
1-Bedroom USD 2,659/mo USD 2,099/mo 21%
3-Bedroom USD 5,335/mo USD 4,351/mo 21%
Numbeo · 2026-03-12

Cost Indices

Cost of Living
+17.4% Expensive
Rent
+23.9% Very expensive
Groceries
+12.7% Expensive
Restaurants
+17.1% Expensive
Purchasing Power
+20.6% Very strong

Living in Washington: What to Expect

Washington is expensive by global standards (ranked #17 of 546 cities). It is 17.4% more expensive than the United States average, based on 75 cities.

Groceries are expensive, while dining out is expensive. Groceries offers the best value, while Rent is the priciest.

Local purchasing power is strong — residents can afford more goods and services than in most cities.

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