Living in Washington, DC
Washington is the 22nd-largest city in the US, home to about 694,000 people in 2025. Its population has been roughly flat since 2020. Prices across the metro area run above the national average (108.9 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population, 2025
- 693,645+0.6% since 2020
- Median home value
- $737,1006.7 years of median income
- Median rent
- $1,954/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $109,870median, per year
- Price level
- 108.9US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 45° / 90°lows 30° / 72°
- Average commute
- 30 min33% work from home
- State income tax
- 10.75%top rate, graduated
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County: District of Columbia
Time zone: Eastern Time (UTC-5, UTC-4 in summer)
Elevation: about 23 ft
Metro area: Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Cost of living in Washington
The median home in Washington is worth $737,100 and the median household earns $109,870 a year, so a typical home costs about 6.7 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $1,954 a month, about 21% of the median household's income. BEA puts overall prices in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro area at 108.9, with housing at 151.1 and goods at 104.8 (US = 100). In practice, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced place stretches about as far as $81,700 here. District of Columbia taxes wages at a top rate of 10.75%. The average combined state and local sales tax in District of Columbia is 6%.
What would my salary be worth in Washington?
Washington weather
Average highs run from 45°F in January to 90°F in July, and January nights average 30°F. It gets 42 inches of rain and melted snow a year and 14 inches of snow. Expect about 40 days a year at 90°F or hotter. Nights drop below freezing about 60 times a year. The most comfortable months are April to June and September to October.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit Washington
People and work
The median resident is 34.9 years old, and 64% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 42% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 30 minutes; 33% of workers work from home and 20% take public transit.
- Median age
- 34.9179th youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 64%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 42%of households
- People per sq mile
- 11,34861.1 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 20%10% walk, 3.3% bike
- Unemployment
- 6.3%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 15.4%of residents
- Typical home built
- 1958median year
Who moves to Washington, and where people go
From farther away, newcomers most often come from New York County, NY, Chicago (Cook County) and Los Angeles (Los Angeles County). People who leave for somewhere more than 100 miles away most often head to New York County, NY, Kings County, NY and Los Angeles (Los Angeles County). See the map and full lists
IRS county-to-county migration, 2022 to 2023 tax years. Where Americans are moving.
Natural hazards, home prices and air quality
Natural hazard risk
Relatively High
FEMA rating for District of Columbia County, scored against every US county. Biggest risks: winter weather, strong wind, lightning, hurricane.
Home prices
+0.5% in a year
Up 17% over five years. FHFA house price index for the Washington, DC-MD (MSAD) area, 2026 Q2.
Air quality, 2025
59% good days
7 days unhealthy at least for sensitive groups. EPA daily air quality index for the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area (365 days measured).
FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025) combines expected losses from 18 natural hazards with how vulnerable and resilient the community is. It describes the county, not your street; check flood maps for a specific address at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
Pros and cons of living in Washington
Data points come from the official sources on this page. Points marked Local come from people who live here, are read by a person before they appear, and are ranked by readers.
Pros
- Data 20% of workers take public transit, so living without a car is realistic.
- Data A highly educated city: 64% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.
Cons
- Data Homes are expensive for local pay: the median home costs 6.7 years of median household income.
- Data Everyday prices in the metro run 9% above the US average, mostly because of housing.
- Data District of Columbia's top income tax rate is 10.75%, among the highest in the country.
Washington report card from locals
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Cities near Washington
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arlington, VA | 5 mi | 236,254 | $895,000 | 108.9 | Compare |
| Silver Spring, MD | 7 mi | 81,462 | $643,300 | 108.9 | Compare |
| Alexandria, VA | 7 mi | 160,662 | $735,100 | 108.9 | Compare |
| Bethesda, MD | 9 mi | 69,397 | $1,169,900 | 108.9 | Compare |
| Reston, VA | 15 mi | 64,414 | $642,000 | 108.9 | Compare |
| Columbia, MD | 23 mi | 104,338 | $497,400 | 104.5 | Compare |
Straight-line distance between city centers.
Looking at the suburbs? Broadlands, Franklin Farm and Wakefield lead our ranking of the best suburbs of Washington.
Cities with a similar profile
Closest match on climate, price level, size, income and median age, outside the immediate area.
Compare Washington with another city
Frequently asked questions
Is Washington a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. The numbers show no standout advantages on cost or climate; the trade-offs are high prices, expensive homes relative to local incomes, long commutes. Compare Washington side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of Washington?
The Census Bureau estimates Washington had 693,645 residents on July 1, 2025, compared with 689,544 in April 2020 (+0.6%).
How much do you need to earn to live in Washington?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $81,700 in the Washington area. The median household here earns $109,870.
When is the best time to visit Washington?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, April to June and September to October are the most comfortable months. July averages 90°F and January 45°F for daytime highs.
What county is Washington in?
Washington is in District of Columbia, District of Columbia. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is Washington in?
Washington is on Eastern Time (UTC-5, or UTC-4 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of Washington?
About 23 feet above sea level at the city center. Elevation varies across the city.
Does District of Columbia have a state income tax?
Yes. District of Columbia has a graduated income tax with a top rate of 10.75% for 2026. Some cities add a local income tax, which is not included here.
Sources
Population: Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimates (July 1, 2025). Income, housing, education and commuting: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates for the city of Washington. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Washington Reagan Airport, VA station. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.