🇺🇸Cost of Living in Washington D.C.

United States · Population: 700,000 · Cost Index: 85/100

Cost of Living in Washington D.C.

United States · North America

Washington D.C. is the capital of the United States and home to the federal government, iconic monuments, and world-renowned museums. The city offers a vibrant cultural scene and diverse dining, though its cost of living is significantly above the national average.

700,000

Population

Cost Index

Safety Index

Quality of Life

Average Monthly Cost: $3,500 (single person, excluding rent)

Cost Breakdown

Housing

Avg: $2,875.00

1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)

$2,400.00

1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)

$1,700.00

3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)

$4,500.00

3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)

$2,900.00

Food & Groceries

Avg: $15.60

Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)

$20.00

Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)

$90.00

McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)

$11.00

Milk (1 liter)(per liter)

$1.35

Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)

$3.80

Rice (1 kg)(per kg)

$5.00

Eggs (12)(per dozen)

$4.50

Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)

$13.00

Apples (1 kg)(per kg)

$5.50

Banana (1 kg)(per kg)

$1.90

Transportation

Avg: $21.75

Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)

$100.00

One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)

$2.25

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)

$3.50

Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)

$2.00

Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)

$1.00

Utilities

Avg: $96.67

Basic Utilities (85m² Apartment)(per month)

$175.00

Mobile Phone Plan(per month)

$50.00

Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)

$65.00

Healthcare

Avg: $156.67

Doctor Visit(per visit)

$230.00

Dentist Visit(per visit)

$190.00

Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)

$50.00

Entertainment

Avg: $27.31

Fitness Club Monthly(per month)

$80.00

Cinema Ticket(per ticket)

$16.00

Cappuccino(per cup)

$5.25

Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)

$8.00

Clothing

Avg: $60.67

Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)

$52.00

Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)

$40.00

Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)

$90.00

Compare Washington D.C. with another city

See how Washington D.C. stacks up against any other city in our database.

Quick Facts

Currency: USD
Language: English
Cost Index: 85/100
Safety Index: 50/100
Quality of Life: 65/100

Data last updated: 2026-01-15. Prices are approximate and shown in USD.