Rent in Washington, DC at a glance
2-bedroom rent (HUD)
$2,246$26,952 a year · HUD fiscal year 2026From October 1, 2026: $2,438 (+8.5%)How much rent can you afford in Washington, DC?
HUD’s fair market rent for each size, against what a typical household here earns. Change the income to see yours.
Rent in Washington, DC by bedroom, and the pay it takes
Income needed keeps rent at 30% of gross pay; the hourly figure assumes one full-time job, 2,080 hours a year.
| Size | A month | A year | Income needed | Hourly wage needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,953 | $23,436 | $78,120 | $37.56/hr |
| 1 bedroom | $2,015 | $24,180 | $80,600 | $38.75/hr |
| 2 bedroomsMost searched | $2,246 | $26,952 | $89,840 | $43.19/hr |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,835 | $34,020 | $113,400 | $54.52/hr |
| 4 bedrooms | $3,332 | $39,984 | $133,280 | $64.08/hr |
Cost of living in Washington, DC: income, prices and a budget →
Living and working in Washington, DC
Rent in Washington, DC: common questions
How much is rent going up in Washington, DC in 2027?
HUD's Fair Market Rent for fiscal 2027, which takes effect October 1, 2026, is $2,438 for a two-bedroom, up 8.5% from $2,246. A one-bedroom goes from $2,015 to $2,204, a studio from $1,953 to $2,111.
These are HUD's estimates of what a typical recently rented unit costs, used for housing vouchers. A landlord's increase on your lease follows your lease and your state's rules, not this figure.
What is the average rent in Washington, DC?
HUD's Fair Market Rent for 2026 is $2,015 for a one-bedroom and $2,246 for a two-bedroom, utilities included. That is $26,952 a year for the two-bedroom.
It is not an average of current listings. HUD sets it at the rent 40% of recent movers paid or less for a standard unit, so asking rents on newer places usually run higher.
How much do you need to make to afford rent in Washington, DC?
To keep a $2,246 two-bedroom at 30% of gross pay, one full-time worker needs $43.19 an hour, or $89,840 a year. A one-bedroom at $2,015 takes $38.75 an hour.
How much is a 1, 2 or 3-bedroom apartment in Washington, DC?
At HUD's 2026 Fair Market Rent: studio $1,953, one bedroom $2,015, two $2,246, three $2,835 and four $3,332 a month.
Is rent affordable in Washington, DC?
For the typical household, earning $109,870 a year ($9,156 a month, Census ACS), a two-bedroom at $2,246 takes 24.5% of income. Under 30% is the usual line for affordable; this is under it.
How is the income needed for rent worked out?
Rent for a year divided by 0.30, the share of gross income HUD treats as affordable: ($2,246 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $89,840. Divided by 2,080 working hours, that is $43.19 an hour.