Average Rent in District of Columbia

Rental market overview for District of Columbia, powered by HUD and Census data.

Median Rent

$1,817

Median Income

$101,722

Rent Burden

28.5%

Avg FMR (2BR)

N/A

District of Columbia Rental Market Overview

District of Columbia has approximately 1 cities with rental data tracked by StayRentals. Roughly 58.6% of housing units in the state are renter-occupied. The state's median rent is approximately $1,817, which is 33% higher than the national median of $1,365. (Source: Census ACS)

The average District of Columbia renter spends approximately 28.5% of their income on rent, compared to the national average of approximately 30.3%. This suggests the state is generally in line with or more affordable than national averages. (Source: Census ACS)

With a rental vacancy rate of approximately 9.9%%, the District of Columbia rental market may offer renters more options and negotiating power. (Source: Census ACS)

Most and Least Affordable Cities

Most affordable cities (lowest rent burden):

Washington: median rent of $1,817, median income of $101,722, resulting in a rent burden of approximately 28.5%. (Source: Census ACS)

Most expensive cities (highest rent burden):

Washington: median rent of $1,817, with a rent burden of approximately 28.5%. Lower incomes relative to rent contribute to higher cost burden. (Source: Census ACS)

Renting in District of Columbia: What to Know

Renter protections and landlord-tenant laws vary by state and municipality within District of Columbia. Most states require landlords to provide advance notice before raising rent on month-to-month leases, though the specific notice period varies. Some municipalities within District of Columbia may have additional local tenant protections.

Housing laws change frequently. For advice specific to your situation, consult a local tenant rights organization, legal aid society, or attorney. StayRentals does not provide legal advice.

District of Columbia Rental Market Trends

Rent trends for District of Columbia are tracked through the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index for shelter costs. Nationally, rent costs have generally increased over the past decade, though the rate of increase varies by metro area and time period.

Detailed monthly rent CPI data is available for major metropolitan areas. Visit our homepage for the national rent CPI trend chart, or explore individual city pages for local context. (Source: BLS Consumer Price Index)

Cities in District of Columbia

1 cities with rental data, sorted by population.

City	Population	Median Rent	Rent Burden	FMR (2BR)
Washington	670,587	$1,817	28.5%	N/A

Data Sources

**Data Sources:**

U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Fair Market Rents

Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Consumer Price Index for Rent of Primary Residence

Data is updated periodically. Census ACS data reflects 5-year estimates. HUD Fair Market Rents are updated annually. BLS rent CPI is updated monthly.

StayRentals is not a real estate agent, landlord, or property manager. This content is for educational and informational purposes only. Rent estimates are based on government data and may not reflect current market conditions. Housing laws vary by state and municipality. Consult a local tenant rights organization or attorney for advice specific to your situation.

Sources: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Fair Market Rents, U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Consumer Price Index.

Data vintage: HUD FMR FY 2025, Census ACS 2019–2023 5-Year Estimates, BLS CPI updated monthly. Government data may lag 1–2 years behind current market conditions.