Key Economic Benchmarks
Median Household Income
$109,870$9,156 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-YearFair market rent & 30% rule in District of Columbia, DC
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: District of Columbia, DC
Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD HUD Metro FMR Area. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.
| Unit Size | Monthly Rent | Annual Rent | 30% Rule Min. Income | % of Median Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / Efficiency | $1,953 | $23,436 | $78,120 | 21.3% |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $2,015 | $24,180 | $80,600 | 22% |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark | $2,246 | $26,952 | $89,840 | 24.5% |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $2,835 | $34,020 | $113,400 | 31% |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $3,332 | $39,984 | $133,280 | 36.4% |
See dedicated rental breakdown for District of Columbia, DC →
50/30/20 Living Budget in District of Columbia, DC
Based on the local median household income of $109,870/year ($9,156/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:
Take-Home Pay & Tax Explorer in District of Columbia
Explore net income after federal income tax, FICA, and District of Columbia state income tax based on the local median baseline.
Related Regional & Financial Profiles
Compare earnings and living costs across District of Columbia with official federal datasets:
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in District of Columbia, DC
What is the median household income in District of Columbia, DC?
According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in District of Columbia, DC is $109,870 per year (approximately $9,156 per month).
What is the average rent in District of Columbia, DC?
According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in District of Columbia, DC are $1,953 for a studio, $2,015 for 1 bedroom, $2,246 for 2 bedrooms, $2,835 for 3 bedrooms, and $3,332 for 4 bedrooms.
How does the cost of living in District of Columbia, DC compare to the national average?
Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in District of Columbia, DC is 108.9 (8.9% higher than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).
How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in District of Columbia, DC?
Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($2,246/month) in District of Columbia, DC requires a minimum gross household income of $89,840 per year ($7,487 per month).
What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in District of Columbia, DC?
For a typical household earning the median income of $109,870/year ($9,156/month) in District of Columbia, DC, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $4,578/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $2,747/month to discretionary spending, and $1,831/month to savings and debt repayment.
What are typical electricity and utility costs in District of Columbia, DC?
Residential electricity rates in District of Columbia average 24.4¢ per kWh according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). For an average home using 900 kWh per month, the estimated electric bill is approximately $220 per month.