Moving to DC in 2025

Written, Edited and Fact Checked by Taras Kim

Fact Checked by Wellknown Moving DC

Updated: April 21, 2025

If you're considering a move to Washington, D.C. whether it's for a new job, school, or just a change of scenery-it's important to know the key points ahead of time. Many factors influence decisions here: high rent prices, metro features, neighborhood ambiance, and even fickle weather. This brief material will help you prepare and avoid unnecessary worries.

We've already helped thousands of people move in Washington, whether they're traveling from the other side of the country or just changing apartments nearby. Based on these experiences, we've compiled useful information about housing, jobs, schools, safety, transportation, and other things to consider ahead of time.

How much it costs to live in Washington, D.C.

Living in Washington, D.C. is a special experience, and it's important to understand how much it can cost. Here are the key numbers as of April 2025.

Rental prices.

According to RentCafe the average rent across the city is about $2,497 per month. But a lot depends on the neighborhood - prices can vary by many times.

Average Monthly Rent by Neighborhood:

What $2,000/Month Gets You:

Note: Prices are averages and can fluctuate based on specific locations and amenities.

Utilities, Groceries, and Taxes in Washington, D.C.

In addition to rent, utilities in Washington, DC can have a serious impact on your monthly expenses. On average, utility bills are about 10% higher than the national average. Electricity is usually around $229 per month, and internet and cell phone service costs around $191. This ends up costing about $420 per month for basic services. If the apartment is large or more electricity is used during cold or hot seasons, the amount can be higher.

Groceries in Washington are also more expensive than in many other regions of the U.S. - about 14% above average. For example, a gallon of milk can cost about $4.80, a loaf of bread about $4.21, a dozen eggs $3.81, and a pound of steak almost $14. These examples show that every day shopping is more expensive here.

Taxes are another important factor. The county has a 6% sales tax on most items, but the rate is higher for some categories, such as alcohol. Property taxes in Washington are not the highest - about $0.85 for every $100 of assessed value of a home. But the income tax is more complicated: it depends on income level and varies from 4% to 10.75%.

Where to live in the Washington, D.C. area: an overview of neighborhoods and suburbs

Washington, D.C. is a compact city, but with a wide variety of places to live. It is divided into four parts - northwest, northeast, southwest, and southeast. There are eight official neighborhoods, each with its own character and housing prices. Nearby suburbs in Maryland and Virginia are quieter, more spacious and often closer to good schools.

If you like an active lifestyle and evening walks, U Street, Adams Morgan, and Dupont Circle would be a good fit. U Street is known for bars and concert venues. Adams Morgan is for cafes, international cuisine and nightlife. Dupont Circle is cozy, with galleries and bookstores. In these neighborhoods, a one-bedroom apartment costs between $2,500 and $3,200. Walking distance is convenient, the level of safety is average. These places are more often chosen by young and creative people.

Capitol Hill, Takoma Park, and Chevy Chase are good for families. Capitol Hill has old houses, markets and subways nearby. Takoma Park and Chevy Chase are in Maryland, but it's an easy drive to the center. It's quieter, has more greenery and good schools. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment ranges from $2,400 to $3,000. These neighborhoods are often chosen by parents with children and teachers.

If transportation is important, look at Rosslyn, Silver Spring and Columbia Heights. Rosslyn has many newer homes and subway lines run close by. Silver Spring is quieter, but also has a convenient subway. Columbia Heights is a lively neighborhood with good connectivity. Housing costs between $1,800 and $2,500. Walking is convenient, and the subway is close by. These neighborhoods are good for those who work downtown.

In U Street and Adams Morgan, the road to the center takes 10-20 minutes. In Capitol Hill - up to 20 minutes. From Takoma Park - up to 35. At Rosslyn, it's about 15. From Silver Spring - 20-30. Columbia Heights is 15-25. Congress Heights is the most budget-friendly option, but the drive is longer and the neighborhood is less safe.

Jobs in Washington, D.C. (2025)

Many people are moving to D.C. for a career. In 2025, the city still offers many opportunities, especially in government, law, technology, medicine, and consulting. The average salary here is $76,908, which is higher than the national average ($59,428), but living expenses are also higher.

Major areas of employment

Federal agencies are some of the largest employers. Specialists in management, international affairs, politics, and security are in demand. U.S. citizenship and security clearance are often required. Law is one of the top fields in the capital city. There are many law firms and organizations that need lawyers and paralegals. Technology and cybersecurity are booming thanks to companies like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft. Most jobs are related to the needs of government agencies.

Medicine is a stable industry. Jobs are offered by large hospitals and agencies like the NIH and CDC. Consulting is a strength of the region. Deloitte, Booz Allen Hamilton and other companies are looking for analysts and managers, especially with security clearances. Tourism and events are picking up again. Jobs are opening up at hotels, restaurants and event venues.

Salaries are above average

• Analyst - $93,000 ($74,000 in the U.S.)
• Programmer - $106,000 (US - $97,000)
• Nurse - $84,000 ($78,000 in the U.S.)
• Lawyer - $137,000 (in the USA - $114,000)
• Teacher - $72,000 ($61,000 in the U.S.)

Where to look for jobs

• USAJobs.gov - federal jobs
• DC.gov Careers - local jobs
• Indeed - offers from private companies
• Builtin.com - IT jobs
• LinkedIn Jobs - job search and networking

Transportation and commuting to work in Washington, DC

Thinking about whether you need a car in D.C.? Probably not. Washington, D.C. is one of the most convenient cities for walking and taking the Metro. But daily commutes can be tedious if you don't think things through in advance. It all depends on where you live and work: roads, subways, parking lots and bridges - every factor can have an impact.

The subway is the main transportation in the city

The subway, which is operated by WMATA, connects the county to Virginia and Maryland. There are a total of six lines, Red, Blue, Orange, Silver, Green, and Yellow. The subway is clean, runs steadily, and can be used to get to most neighborhoods and offices with no or one transfer. The price of a ride depends on time and distance, ranging from $2.25 to $6.00. The easiest way to use the SmarTrip card is to use it for both buses and subways. It can be refilled through the website or app.

If you're looking for lodging, look for neighborhoods near Red or Orange Line stations - these lines run through the business parts of the city and operate more frequently than others.

Carpooling in D.C. is tricky

The streets in the city are narrow, with many one-way streets, and the driving is nervous. Traffic jams are frequent, especially in the morning and evening. During rush hours, even a short trip can take 45 minutes. The bridges connecting downtown to Virginia City are often congested, too.

Parking isn't easy either - spaces are scarce, permits are often needed, and renting a garage space can cost anywhere from $250 to $400 a month. If you'll be driving, it's worth getting an E-ZPass - it makes it easier to drive through Virginia's toll plazas. You'll also need to consider gas, parking, toll roads, and the 5.75% tax when you register your car in D.C.

Buses and traveling with fellow travelers

Metrobus buses cover the entire region - more than 11,500 stops. A ride costs $2.00 and is paid for by the same SmarTrip. Uber, Lyft and Via are popular, especially at night or where there is no subway. There is a service called Commuter Connections - it helps you find traveling companions for shared rides to work.

Bicycling is a good way to get around

There are plenty of bicycle lanes and convenient routes in the city. Capital Bikeshare gives you the opportunity to rent a bike for a short period of time or for a month. There are stations almost everywhere. Arlington, Silver Spring, and Columbia Heights neighborhoods are especially convenient for biking. There are good lanes and it's easy to transfer to the subway if you need to.

Safety and Crime in Washington, D.C. (2025)

When asked, “Is it safe to live in D.C.?” - the correct answer is: it depends on the neighborhood, the time of day, and your behavior. Like any large city, D.C. has both quiet neighborhoods and neighborhoods where you should be cautious. Sometimes two such neighborhoods can be right next to each other. The key is to know where you are going and what is going on there.

What's happening now with crime rates

In 2025, the violent crime rate in D.C. is down 3% from last year. The number of homicides is down by almost half from 2023. This was made possible by more proactive policing and community involvement.

However, D.C.'s overall crime index is still below the national average, according to NeighborhoodScout.

• Violent crime: about 10.47 cases per 1,000 people (U.S. average is about 4.0 per 1,000)
• Property crimes: about 41.58 cases per 1,000 people (national average is about 19.6 per 1,000).

This means that the city is still considered unsafe, but the problems are mostly concentrated in certain neighborhoods. Many residents just try to take simple precautions.

Which neighborhoods are calmer and which ones are not

Some areas of D.C. are considered very calm. These include the northern part of Capitol Hill, Georgetown, Dupont Circle, Cleveland Park, and Tenleytown. There is low violence there, lots of pedestrians and police officers are visible. There are neighborhoods where things are improving. These are Columbia Heights, Petworth and Brookland. Renovation is underway there, and a lot depends on the particular neighborhood.

But the neighborhoods with higher crime rates are Anacostia, Congress Heights, Deanwood and Ivy City. There are still problems there, especially with violence. But these neighborhoods also have active residents who are trying to make life better. It's mostly quiet during the day, but it's best to be careful at night. One resident wrote on Reddit in February 2025 that he's lived in Petworth for 4 years, feels fine, but is always cautious near the subway in the evening.

If you want to check how safe a neighborhood is:

• Check out the MPD Crime Cards website - you can search by street and neighborhood there
• The NeighborhoodScout website has interactive maps and data

Schools, medical, and everyday things to do in Washington, DC

Once you've chosen a neighborhood and decided on transportation, it's worth thinking about daily life - especially if you're moving with your family or planning to stay in the city for a long time. D.C. offers good schools, modern hospitals, and convenient city services to help you get used to your new place quickly.

Schools: public and private

Schools in D.C. have gotten better in recent years. The District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) system includes nearly 120 schools serving about 49,000 children.

Some of the best include:

• School Without Walls High School - gives good preparation for college
• Benjamin Banneker - strong science program
• Janney Elementary - good grades and parental involvement.

About half of the kids go to charter schools like DC Prep and Capital City PCS.

There are also private schools with strong reputations: Sidwell Friends (where presidents' children have attended), Georgetown Day, St. Albans, and National Cathedral School.

Medicine and hospitals

There are many good hospitals and clinics in the city.

• MedStar Georgetown University Hospital - strong in oncology, transplantation and neurology
• Children's National Hospital - one of the top ten children's hospitals in the United States
• George Washington University Hospital - a large, centrally located hospital
• Howard University Hospital - with a long tradition and good reputation.

It is mandatory for D.C. residents to have health insurance. Many get it through the DC Health Link website.

The Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) is available for those seeking mental health care or who do not have insurance.

City services: documents, bills, and services

If you're from out of state, you have 30 days to update your driver's license, car registration, and voter information.

You should start at the D.C. DMV - it's best to sign up there in advance.

Utilities are provided by:

• Pepco and Washington Gas (light and gas)
• DC Water (water)
• Xfinity, Verizon and Starry (internet)
• Department of Public Works (trash and recycling)

Banks:

There are branches of Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Truist and local credit unions.

Grocery:

Giant, Whole Foods, Safeway, Harris Teeter, and smaller stores like Yes! Organic Market and MOM's are in town.

Culture and leisure

What to see is a must-see

Even those who have lived in Washington, D.C. for a long time continue to enjoy its top attractions. The Smithsonian Museums and the National Zoo are some of the most popular places, and admission is free. A walk around the National Mall is a must for anyone who wants to feel the spirit of the city, with memorials, the Capitol, and expansive green alleys. One local admitted that even five years after moving in, he still enjoys strolling through the area on the weekends. History buffs will appreciate the Library of Congress and Capitol tours - they're as interesting for their content as they are for their architecture.

Art, music and evening plans

The creative life in Washington is vibrant and diverse, especially in the Shaw, U Street and H Street neighborhoods. There are concerts at well-known clubs such as the 9:30 Club, Songbyrd, and The Anthem. Arena Stage and Studio Theatre, as well as standup venue DC Improv, offer a packed playbill. Contemporary art fans should check out the Hirshhorn and Renwick museums, as well as independent galleries Transformer and Honfleur. Nightlife is varied too, with cocktail bars in Adams Morgan, rooftop lounges with panoramic views on U Street and pubs in Navy Yard for both a quiet evening and a party.

Food and Restaurants

Washington DC is famous for its delicious and diverse food. You can find high-end restaurants like Rose's Luxury, Maydan, and Pineapple and Pearls, as well as cozy places with cuisines from around the world. Ethiopian dishes are popular at Shaw, Salvadoran pupusas are popular in Mount Pleasant, and the Vietnamese Eden Center in Falls Church is where people come for traditional soups and street food. Local favorites like Ben's Chili Bowl, Founding Farmers and Maketto are also worth a try. For those who prefer a quick bite, there are food halls like Union Market and The Roost, where you can find everything from pizza to ramen.

Take a walk in nature

Washington DC is one of the greenest cities in the US. At Rock Creek Park, you can walk woodland trails, bike, play tennis or have a picnic. The Wharf is a waterfront area with cafes, live music and kayaks for rent. Anacostia Park and Hains Point have plenty of space for jogging and biking. And if you want to get out of town, hiking in the Shenandoah Mountains, whitewater rafting at Harpers Ferry, or wine tasting in Virginia are just an hour away. Dog owners are also welcome here, with plenty of fenced off-leash areas and pet-friendly cafes.

Festivals and events

Throughout the year, the city hosts many colorful events. Everyone looks forward to the cherry blossoms in the spring, DC Jazz Festival in the summer, H Street Festival in the fall, and Christmas fairs and lights at ZooLights in the winter. Most events are outdoors and accessible to everyone, creating a festive atmosphere and bringing people together from all over the city.

Weather and Seasons in Washington, DC

Washington, D.C. has all four seasons - and that can be both convenient and unusual. It's hot and humid in the summer, and it can snow in the winter. The weather affects how you dress, your commute, and even your furniture choices. If you're used to a mild climate, it's worth knowing in advance what to expect from each season.

Spring: flowers, weather and allergies

From March to May, the city gets warm, trees bloom and festivals take place. Temperatures rise from 14°C in March to 24°C in May. It often rains, so an umbrella and light jacket are useful. The Cherry Blossom Festival takes place at this time, farmers' markets open and outdoor cafes become particularly popular. One local noted, “Spring is my favorite time of year in D.C. But don't forget your antihistamines - there's a lot of pollen.”

Summer: heat, humidity and activities

Summer is hot and active. From June to August, temperatures often reach 30-35°C but feel like 37-38°C. It's hard without air conditioning, especially in the apartment and on the subway. It can be sweltering during the day and thunderstorms by evening. Escape the heat at the Wharf, rooftop bars or a weekend getaway to the beach in Virginia or Deep Creek Lake.

Fall: outings and festivals

Fall in D.C. is very pleasant. Mornings are cool, humidity is low, and the trees change color beautifully - especially at Rock Creek Park. Temperatures range from 24°C in September to 13°C in November. In early fall you can wear light jackets, by Halloween you need sweaters and boots. H Street Festival, DC Jazz Fest, street exhibitions and gastronomic events take place during this time.

Winter: snow, cold and cozy

Winters in D.C. are usually not very harsh, but there are snow days. Temperatures can drop as low as -4°C. In older houses, it is better to check the heating beforehand. Sometimes there is a lot of snow - up to 30 cm, and then schools and offices may close. There are fairs, ice skating rinks and ZooLights, all of which create a New Year's atmosphere.

Moving and the season

The best time to move is spring or fall - it's neither too hot nor too cold. The most uncomfortable is moving in July or late December. In one case there will be heat and stuffiness, in the other - snow and holiday hustle and bustle. If you are moving from a warm region, it is better to buy a winter coat, gloves, warm shoes and a strong umbrella in advance.

A checklist for moving to Washington, D.C.

Now that you've learned more about living in D.C., it's time to tackle the moving part itself. Whether you're moving from out of state or the suburbs, a clear plan will help make everything smooth and hassle-free.

Choose a neighborhood

Think about budget, transportation, and your habits. If nightlife is important to you, Adams Morgan or U Street will be a good fit. If there are kids, look at Capitol Hill or Takoma Park. Columbia Heights and Rosslyn are convenient for those who use the subway a lot. And if you want quiet and more space, look at Silver Spring or Alexandria.

Allocate your budget

Washington, DC is an expensive city. You'll pay between $2,000 and $3,200 a month for a one-bedroom apartment. Utilities will cost about $400. Groceries and transportation are between $800 and $1,000 a month, depending on your lifestyle.

Find a job in advance (if possible)

Good resources are USAJobs.gov (government jobs), Indeed, LinkedIn, and Built In DC (for IT).

Hire a good transportation company

Do not apply to random advertisements. It's better to choose a proven company with a license, insurance and clear estimates. Check reviews on Google, Yelp, and the BBB.

Get your utilities and internet hooked up early

To move into a move-in ready apartment, make arrangements for electricity (Pepco), gas (Washington Gas), water (DC Water), and internet (Verizon Fios, Xfinity, or Starry) in advance.

Check in at your new location

Don't forget to update your driver's license and auto registration through dmv.dc.gov. It's also important to register to vote and change your address with the USPS. Notify your bank, employer, and service providers.

Explore the neighborhood before you finally settle in

During the first week, walk around the neighborhood. Test your route to work during peak hours. Look for nearby stores, pharmacies, and dog walking areas. See how comfortable you feel on the streets in the evening. Stop by a local Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) meeting to get a sense of what's going on in the neighborhood.