Cost of Living in Washington, DC
Washington's cost of living index is 152 — 52% more expensive than the national average. District of Columbia has a state income tax and a statewide COL index of 152.
COL Index
152
100 = national avg
Monthly Budget
$7,600
vs $5,000 national
Population
0.7M
Metro area
State Tax
Yes
District of Columbia
Monthly Cost Breakdown
Estimated monthly costs in Washington vs national average for a typical household.
| Category | National Avg | Washington | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,650 | $2,937 | +$1,287 |
| Groceries | $650 | $920 | +$270 |
| Transportation | $800 | $1,174 | +$374 |
| Healthcare | $400 | $546 | +$146 |
| Utilities | $300 | $456 | +$156 |
| Other | $1,200 | $1,699 | +$499 |
| Total | $5,000 | $7,600 | +$2,600 |
Salary Equivalent
To maintain the same standard of living in Washington, a national-average salary translates to:
$50,000 nationally
$76,000
$75,000 nationally
$114,000
$100,000 nationally
$152,000
$150,000 nationally
$228,000