Overview
Washington DC is the center of American politics and home to world-class museums, diverse neighborhoods, and a highly educated population. Beyond government, DC offers opportunities in consulting, nonprofits, tech, and media. The city provides excellent public transit and a cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Why People Move to Washington
- Stable government employment
- World-class museums (mostly free!)
- Excellent public transportation
- Highly educated, diverse population
- Strong nonprofit and consulting sectors
Average Moving Costs to Washington
| From | Studio/1BR | 2BR |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia (140 mi) | $800-$1,500 | $1,500-$2,500 |
| New York (225 mi) | $1,200-$2,000 | $2,000-$3,400 |
| Boston (440 mi) | $1,800-$3,000 | $3,000-$4,800 |
| Atlanta (640 mi) | $2,200-$3,500 | $3,500-$5,500 |
* Estimates for professional full-service moves. DIY moves with rental trucks typically cost 40-60% less.
Best Neighborhoods for Newcomers
Dupont Circle
Avg Rent: $2,200-$3,200 (1BR)
Historic neighborhood with embassies, restaurants, and LGBTQ+ community.
Capitol Hill
Avg Rent: $2,000-$3,000 (1BR)
Charming row houses near Congress, Eastern Market, and family-friendly.
Adams Morgan
Avg Rent: $1,800-$2,800 (1BR)
Diverse, nightlife-focused area with international dining.
Navy Yard
Avg Rent: $2,400-$3,400 (1BR)
New development near Nationals Park with modern apartments and waterfront.
Cost of Living in Washington
- Rent (1BR)$2,000-$2,800/month average
- GroceriesAbout 10% above national average
- Dining out$15-$25 casual, $50-$100 upscale
- DC income tax4-10.75% progressive
Utilities & Services
Electric
Pepco
$80-$150/month
Internet
Comcast, RCN, Verizon
$50-$90/month
Water
DC Water
$40-$80/month
Gas
Washington Gas
$40-$100/month
Job Market in Washington
- Federal government - largest employer
- Consulting: Deloitte, Booz Allen, McKinsey
- Nonprofit headquarters
- Think tanks and policy organizations
- Growing tech sector (Amazon HQ2 nearby)
Transportation in Washington
Public Transit
Metro rail and bus. Excellent coverage. Monthly pass $100. Widely used.
Car
Not necessary in most of DC. Expensive parking. Traffic is heavy.
Biking
Capital Bikeshare widely available. Good bike lanes. Popular commute option.
Moving Tips for Washington
Best Time to Move
Spring (March-May) for cherry blossoms, or Fall (September-October). Avoid August humidity and winter cold.
Things to Know Before Moving
- Security clearance jobs are common - be prepared for background checks
- Consider Virginia or Maryland suburbs for lower costs
- Federal holidays mean different parking and office schedules
- Metro can be unreliable - have backup commute plans
Pros and Cons of Living in Washington
Pros
- +Job stability
- +Excellent museums and culture
- +Great public transit
- +Educated population
- +International atmosphere
Cons
- -High cost of living
- -Political atmosphere pervades
- -Humid summers
- -Cold winters
- -Transient population