Average Rent in Washington DC 2026
The average rent in Washington DC, DC is $2,400 for a 1-bedroom, $3,000 for a 2-bedroom, and $3,800 for a 3-bedroom apartment in 2026. The cost of living in Washington DC is 58% above the national average. To afford a 1-bedroom apartment here using the 30% rule, you need an annual income of at least $96,000.
Washington DC Rent Prices by Bedroom
1 Bedroom
$2,400
per month
2 Bedrooms
$3,000
per month
3 Bedrooms
$3,800
per month
Cost of Living in Washington DC
158
Cost of Living Index (100 = national average)
Washington DC's cost of living index is 158, which is 58% above the national average. This index factors in housing, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and utilities. A higher number means you need more income to maintain the same standard of living compared to the national average.
Washington DC at a Glance
Population
689K
Median Income
$93,547
COL Index
158
Rent Control
Yes
How Much Income Do You Need to Rent in Washington DC?
The widely accepted guideline is to spend no more than 30% of your gross income on rent. Here is the minimum annual income you need to afford an apartment in Washington DC by bedroom count:
1-Bedroom
$2,400/mo rent
$96,000/yr
2-Bedroom
$3,000/mo rent
$120,000/yr
3-Bedroom
$3,800/mo rent
$152,000/yr
Based on the 30% rule: monthly rent should not exceed 30% of gross monthly income.
How Much You Save with a Roommate in Washington DC
Save $900/month
by splitting a 2-bedroom with a roommate
Solo 1BR
$2,400
per month
Split 2BR
$1,500
per person/month
Annual Savings
$10,800
per year
Instead of paying $2,400 for a 1-bedroom on your own, splitting a 2-bedroom ($3,000) with one roommate brings your share to $1,500. That is $10,800 per year you could put toward savings, investments, or paying down debt.
Rent Control in Washington DC
Washington DC has rent control or rent stabilization
Washington DC has the Rental Housing Act, which covers buildings with rent control built before 1975. Annual rent increases for these units are limited to CPI plus 2% (up to 10%). DC also has strong tenant rights including the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA), which gives tenants the right of first refusal when a building is sold.
Rent Calculators for Washington DC Renters
Use these free calculators to plan your Washington DC rental budget, split rent with roommates, and check if you qualify for an apartment.
Rent Affordability Calculator
Find out how much rent you can afford based on your income.
Fair Rent Split Calculator
Split rent fairly by room size, features, and income.
Rent-to-Income Calculator
Check if you meet the 3x rent rule landlords require.
Renter Budget Calculator
Build a 50/30/20 budget around your rent payment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Washington DC
Is Washington DC expensive to rent in?
Yes. DC is one of the most expensive rental markets in the US. A 1-bedroom averages $2,400 per month in 2026, about 58% above the national average. Georgetown and Dupont Circle are among the priciest, while neighborhoods east of the Anacostia River offer lower rents.
How much income do you need to rent in Washington DC?
Using the 30% rule, you need about $8,000 per month ($96,000 annually) to afford an average $2,400/month 1-bedroom apartment in DC.
How much can you save by splitting rent with a roommate in Washington DC?
Splitting a 2-bedroom ($3,000/month) with one roommate brings your share to $1,500, saving $900 per month or $10,800 per year compared to renting a 1-bedroom alone.
Planning to rent in Washington DC?