Average Rent in Washington DC, DC

DC has some of the strongest tenant protections in the country, with rent control covering buildings built before 1976. The city's high incomes help offset expensive rents, and numerous free museums/attractions reduce entertainment costs.

+1.2%YoY

Studio

$1,800

1-Bedroom

$2,200

2-Bedroom

$2,900

3-Bedroom

$3,500

Market Overview

Year-over-Year Change+1.2%

Vacancy Rate5.5%

Renter Population58%

Median Income$90,842/yr

Rent-to-Income Ratio29.1%

Cost of Living Index152 (US avg: 100)

Market Condition

Balanced Market

Market is relatively balanced between landlords and tenants.

Tenant Protections

Rent control for pre-1976 buildings (5+ units)
TOPA (Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act)
Just Cause eviction requirements
Anti-retaliation protections
Security deposit limited to 1 month rent

HUD Fair Market Rent (2025)

Fair Market Rent (FMR) is set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro area.

Studio

$1,385

1-Bed

$1,595

2-Bed

$1,878

3-Bed

$2,412

4-Bed

$2,718

Rent by Neighborhood in Washington DC

Dupont Circle

Vibrant neighborhood with embassies, restaurants, bookstores, and Metro access.

Walk Score: 95Safety: 8/10

1-Bed

$2,500

2-Bed

$3,200

3-Bed

$3,900

Capitol Hill

Historic row houses near the Capitol, Eastern Market, and Barracks Row.

Walk Score: 90Safety: 7/10

1-Bed

$2,300

2-Bed

$2,900

3-Bed

$3,500

Adams Morgan

Diverse nightlife district with international restaurants and eclectic shops.

Walk Score: 88Safety: 6/10

1-Bed

$2,100

2-Bed

$2,700

3-Bed

$3,300

Columbia Heights

Diverse neighborhood with Metro access, retail, and more affordable options.

Walk Score: 85Safety: 5/10

1-Bed

$1,900

2-Bed

$2,400

3-Bed

$3,000

Navy Yard

Waterfront development with Nationals Park, restaurants, and new apartments.

Walk Score: 78Safety: 8/10

1-Bed

$2,400

2-Bed

$3,000

3-Bed

$3,700

Buildings in Washington DC

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Tips for Renting in Washington DC

1DC rent control covers buildings built before 1976 with 5+ units - always check
2Rent increases for controlled units are tied to CPI
3DC has a Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA) - you may have first right of refusal
4Free museums and attractions mean more money for rent in your budget