District of Columbia Cost of Living & Rents (2026)
Compare HUD Fair Market Rents, living wages, and composite living cost indices across all 1 benchmark metropolitan areas in District of Columbia.
Data updated · Sources: HUD FY 2027 Fair Market Rents, EPI 2026 Family Budget · Methodology
Metropolitan Areas in District of Columbia
| Metro Area | COL Index | HUD 1BR Rent | HUD 2BR Rent | Living Wage | Report |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | 158.9 | $2,204/mo | $2,438/mo | $35.15/hr | View |
Comprehensive 2026 cost of living analysis for District of Columbia. Compare HUD Fair Market Rents, living wages, state income tax impact, & metropolitan. Official 2026 economic data for District of Columbia compiled from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS surveys, HUD Fair Market Rents, and statutory tax codes.
Quick answers
Its metros average a cost-of-living index of 158.9 (U.S. = 100), from EPI family budgets. Average one-bedroom HUD Fair Market Rent across its metros is about $2,204 a month.
The average living wage for a single adult in District of Columbia is approximately $35.15/hour, while a family with two adults and one child requires roughly $29.27/hour to cover basic necessities.