District of Columbia
D+87 · High tax burden · COL index 152
10.75%
Income Tax
750
Violent Crime / 100K
77.1
Life Expectancy
$640K
Median Home
$2,350
Childcare / Mo
State Profile
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Taxes
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Income Tax
Top rate on income over $1M
Property Tax
~$3,584/yr on median home
Sales Tax
Social Security
Pension / IRA
Estate Tax
Inheritance Tax
Capital Gains
Housing & Cost of Living
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Cost of Living Index
National avg = 100
Median Home Price
Median Rent (2BR)
Home Insurance
Near national avg (~$1,900/yr)
Flood Insurance
Homestead Exemption
Home equity protected from creditors
Asset Protection
Crime & Safety
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Violent Crime Rate
Well above national avg
Property Crime Rate
Above national avg
Traffic Fatality Rate
Among the safest
Healthcare
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State Healthcare Rank
Top tier
Life Expectancy
Medicaid Expansion
Uninsured Rate
Well below national avg
Education
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K-12 Quality Rank
Bottom 10 nationally
School Choice / Vouchers
Childcare
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Avg Infant Care (Full-Time)
Very expensive (national avg ~$1,200)
Utilities & Daily Costs
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Avg Monthly Energy Bill
Avg Monthly Groceries
2-person household, moderate spending
Road Quality Rank
Among the worst roads in the US
Transportation
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Car Insurance (Avg Annual)
Traffic Fatality Rate
Broadband Access
Social & Legal
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Abortion Access
LGBTQ+ Protections
Marijuana
Minimum Wage
Right to Work
Environment & Climate
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Air Quality (Annual AQI)
Near national avg
Natural Disaster Risk
Primary Hazards
Politics & Gun Laws
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2024 Presidential Vote
Gun Laws
Carry Permit
Purchase Permit Required
Gambling
Daily Life
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Consumer Fireworks
Check local ordinances
Veteran Benefits
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Veteran-Friendly Score
6.5% of state population are veterans
Property Tax Exemption
Partial exemption for service-connected disability
Military Retirement Pay
Active Duty Pay
VA Facilities Access
Notable Benefits
Explore District of Columbia counties
Income, housing, poverty, healthcare — ranked by county
See your full cost of living in District of Columbia
Housing, taxes, childcare, insurance — all estimated.
Compare Similar States
DC vs MA
District of Columbia vs Massachusetts
COL 152 vs 148 · 10.75% vs 9% income tax
Full comparison →
DC vs CA
District of Columbia vs California
COL 152 vs 142 · 10.75% vs 13.3% income tax
Full comparison →
DC vs NY
District of Columbia vs New York
COL 152 vs 139 · 10.75% vs 10.9% income tax
Full comparison →
Trending in District of Columbia
FY2027 D.C. budget analysis: Delaying BEPS creates an opportunity for reform without forcing unintended consequences - D.C. Policy Center
D.C. Policy Center · May 20
FY2027 D.C. budget analysis: Streamlining IZ applications will open more affordable units faster - D.C. Policy Center
D.C. Policy Center · May 20
University of the District of Columbia Law Professor’s Research Helps Shape Maryland Tax Reform Law Signed by Governor - University of the District of Columbia, Washington, DC
University of the District of Columbia, Washington, DC · Apr 30
Governor Gavin Newsom’s Steve Jobs innovation coin goes into circulation tomorrow - California State Portal | CA.gov
California State Portal | CA.gov · May 11
Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Support Act Is Proposed in D.C. - Holland & Knight
Holland & Knight · Apr 23
What Residents Say
Need help understanding cost of living in the Washington ...
I am making around $40ka year with a $780 a month house payment. In the DC area for a similar size house in a less favorable location is somewhere in the $3000 ...
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DC vs Chicago Cost of Living : r/SameGrassButGreener
It just seems like DC might be a little bit cheaper in the long run given home prices and property taxes for my desired neighborhoods....
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Cost of Living in DC : r/washingtondc
For reference, I claim zero on taxes and after pension, tsp, health & dental, and $61/paycheck for FSA, my biweekly take home is $2000. My ......
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What other major expenses am I not considering when ...
I am currently looking to move to the area after visiting a few times and running through my budget. The state I currently live in, is sucking out my ......
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How much does it REALLY cost to live in DC?
You can absolutely live off of $46k in DC living with roommates, cooking at home, etc. If you want a private studio or 1 bedroom in a fancy apartment building ....
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People who moved to DC from LCOL areas - how much did ...
Just curious what the price difference on everyday items/services are in LCOL areas compared to DC. Obviously there is a big difference when it comes to ......
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r/washingtondc Wiki: Moving to DC Guide
Official Moving to DC Guide. WHERE TO LIVE. Considerations. Price. Distance/time to work. Distance/time to amenities/activities/nightlife....
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What are some hidden costs of moving to DC that people ...
Asking because I'm a midwesterner possibly moving to DC in January for work. I'm nervous that I'm going to move and get hit with a budget or expense ......
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Should DC taxes be withheld if I am only working and living ...
I am currently fighting with payroll about this so I would love any proof anyone has. If I am working as a summer associate in DC and I live in DC just ......
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cost of living : r/washingtondc
When I moved to DC I was making $38,000 salary and working full time at Borders (or trying to they kept cutting hours unless it was ......
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Stay Current
Get notified when District of Columbia tax laws, gun laws, or social policy changes.
Data is informational only. Verify with a tax professional, real estate agent, and local sources before making relocation decisions. Crime data: FBI UCR ~2022. Healthcare: Commonwealth Fund / US News ~2023. Education: Education Week ~2023. Housing: Zillow / Census ACS ~2024. Insurance: rate surveys ~2024. Sponsored links marked “Sponsored” may earn a commission. This does not affect our data or rankings.