Apartments for Rent in Washington, DC
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Washington, DC in the News

Record Apartment Conversions Make 2021 Most Successful Year in Adaptive Reuse

Washington, D.C. has converted former office buildings, hotels and even a historic military hospital to create more than 1,750 new units. And as far as fresh finishes and waterfront views go, it’s hard to find nicer apartment communities in D.C. than Boathouse, which was originally the Howard Johnson Hotel, then a dormitory for George Washington University students. When it comes to office redevelopments, Washington, D.C. climbs to the top of the ladder. Since 2020, the nation’s capital has converted nearly 1,100 units by transforming three office buildings. A standout among them is The Wray, which was previously occupied by the State Department since the beginning of World War II and now displays 158 wonderful units behind its historic façade.

Class of 2021, These Are the Hottest Jobs for Your and the Best Metros to Find Them

Looking to bring your skills over to the National Capital Region? With 113 in 1,000 jobs deemed the hottest for this years’ grads, the D.C. Metro Area is all about business and finance — so computer science, management and marketing majors would fit right in.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When were prices and availability in Washington, DC last updated?

Prices and availability in Washington, DC were last updated on 18 May 2022.

What are the best apartments in Washington, DC?

The best apartments in Washington, DC are: The Vintage on 16th, The Archer, Connecticut House, 1900 Lamont and The Grays on Pennsylvania.

What is the average rent in Washington, DC?

The average rent in Washington, DC is $2,261. Start your search for apartments in Washington, DC now.

What is the price range for a studio apartment in Washington, DC?

The price range for a studio apartment in Washington, DC is between $970 and $12,655. View all studio apartments in Washington, DC.

What is the price range for a 1-bedroom apartment in Washington, DC?

The price range for a 1-bedroom apartment in Washington, DC is between $238 and $11,291. Browse all available 1-bedroom apartments in Washington, DC now.

What is the price range for a 2-bedroom apartment in Washington, DC?

The price range for a 2-bedroom apartment in Washington, DC is between $800 and $13,004. Browse and find a 2-bedroom apartment in Washington, DC.

What is the price range for a 3-bedroom apartment in Washington, DC?

The price range for a 3-bedroom apartment in Washington, DC is between $950 and $9,390. Browse all available 3-bedroom apartments in Washington, DC.

Renter's guide to Washington, DC

Washington, DC, the capital city of the United States, is known for its deep connection to the nation’s history as well as its status as the epicenter of federal politics.

At only 68.34 square miles in size, Washington, DC, is a small (smaller than almost any major capital city you can think of) but vibrant metropolis. In terms of population, however, the Washington metropolitan area has officially surpassed the Philadelphia area to become the sixth-most populous metro in the US, according to the Census Bureau.

Several other major U.S. cities are also close by: Washington is within 4 hours of New York City and 3 hours of Philadelphia, and only an hour from Baltimore.

Weather in Washington, DC, is typical of the mid-Atlantic climate. The city experiences four seasons: summer from June through August, autumn from September through November, winter from December through February, and spring from March through May. July is Washington’s hottest month, with an average temperature of 80 degrees, and January the coldest, averaging 38 degrees. Summers in Washington, DC, are humid with frequent thunderstorms, and the city averages 15 inches of snow in the winter months.

Washington, DC Demographics

Total Population692,683
Female 328,644

Male 364,039
Median Age34

Washington, DC has a population of 692,683 according to the most recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau. 364,039 of Washington’s residents are women and 328,644 are men. The median age of those who live in Washington, DC is 34.

Cost of Living in Washington, DC

Public transit in Washington, DC, consists primarily of buses and the Metrorail subway system. Both buses and Metrorail trains service downtown Washington and extend into Maryland and northern Virginia. Standard bus fare in Washington, DC, is $1.75 for adults, while the charge for metro rides varies by the number of stops taken and time of day. During peak times - effectively weekdays during morning and evening rush hour and weekends after midnight - fares start at $2.15 and cannot exceed $5.90; off-peak, fares start at $1.75 with a maximum charge of $3.60.

The average commute time for the Washington, DC, metro area is 34.5 minutes, which is higher than the national average of 25.4 minutes (however, over 70 percent of DC workers commute from across the Maryland or Virginia state lines).

A meal for 2 people in a mid-range Washington, DC, restaurant may cost anywhere between $50 and $90, and a regular cappuccino goes for about $4.

For a 915-square-foot apartment, Washington, DC, residents pay on average $140 on utilities (such as electricity, heating, water, or garbage removal), which is close to the national average of $147 in monthly utility expenses.

Average Rent in Washington, DC

Washington, DC Average Rental Price, February 2022 $2,261 ^/mo

The average monthly rent of apartments in Washington, DC is $2,261.

Washington, DC Apartment Rent Ranges

About 28% of apartment rents in Washington, DC range between $1,501-$2,000. Meanwhile, apartments priced over > $2,000 represent 56% of apartments. Around 14% of Washington’s apartments are in the $1,001-$1,500 price range. 1% of apartments are priced between $701-$1,000.

Washington, DC Rent Trends

Average Rent	Nov / 2018	Mar / 2019	Jul / 2019	Nov / 2019	Mar / 2020	Jul / 2020	Nov / 2020	Mar / 2021	Jul / 2021	Nov / 2021	Feb / 2022
Washington, DC	$2,146	$2,141	$2,224	$2,235	$2,236	$2,192	$2,083	$2,058	$2,153	$2,238	$2,261
National	$1,362	$1,367	$1,399	$1,407	$1,409	$1,399	$1,403	$1,412	$1,495	$1,591	$1,628

Compared to the national average rent of $1,628, the average rent in Washington, DC is $2,261.

Check out the average rent prices in Washington by neighborhood.

Living in Washington, DC

Washington, DC, is a lively city with a wide array of free things to do and an abundance of historical sites. It is also home to a young, diverse population and an evolving cultural scene.

Yet the high cost of living in Washington, DC, is often a hurdle for prospective residents. While some sectors - including government, business consulting, and tourism - are robust and consistently hiring, others - such as the entertainment and creative services industries — are currently less developed in the region.

Things to do in Washington, DC

There is no shortage of activities and attractions to take advantage of in the nation’s capital! The National Mall, which runs from the Capitol Building to the Lincoln Memorial and includes the Washington Monument, is a point of interest for tourists and residents alike. Families with kids will find many free things to do in Washington, DC, including the Smithsonian Institution’s 19 museums (the majority of which are free) and the National Zoo. Professional sports are also a draw: attending a Washington Nationals baseball game, Washington Redskins football game, or Washington Capitals hockey match makes for a fun activity in DC for couples or families.

Washington, DC, is a vibrant city for culture, with growing theater and live music scenes and stately, historic performance venues. The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, known for the Kennedy Center Honors and home to the National Symphony Orchestra and the Washington National Opera, presents over 2,000 performances each year. Other notable arts and culture attractions in Washington, DC, include The Library of Congress, DAR Constitution Hall, and the Shakespeare Theater Company’s Harman Hall, which is adjacent to the Verizon Center, one of DC’s largest and most successful sports and entertainment venues.

Washington, DC, has abundant green space and public parks for walking, jogging, recreational activities, and playtime with pets or children. Of course, the National Mall is one of the most prominent, but other notable DC parks include the Constitution Gardens, East Potomac Park, Meridian Hill Park, and Rock Creek Park.

Individual storefronts outnumber larger retail complexes in Washington proper, with the majority of shopping malls clustered in nearby Maryland and northern Virginia. The DC USA shopping mall in the Columbia Heights neighborhood is DC’s largest retail development, and is anchored by shopping giants like Target, Best Buy, and Bed Bath & Beyond.

Washington, DC employment & economy

The city’s economy is closely tied to government and politics; Washington, DC, is a hub for careers in the federal government as well as related fields like the law, lobbying, international business, public relations, and news media. The city’s universities and hospitals are consistently its largest employers, highlighting the steady education and healthcare career opportunities in Washington, DC.

Additionally, Washington now receives over 20 million visitors each year, making it one of the most visited cities in America and a hotspot for jobs in the tourism and hospitality industries.

Beyond federal government agencies and Congressional offices, The Advisory Board Company, Fannie Mae, and Marriott Hotels & Resorts are headquartered in Washington, and many major international companies have satellite branches in the DC-Maryland-Virginia metropolitan area.

Washington, DC Households

Total Number of Households284,386
Family 123,683

Non-family 160,703
Children 59,173

No Children 225,213

Average People Per Household2.3
Median Household Income$86,420
Median Housing Costs Per Month$1,707

According to U.S. Census data, there are 284,386 households in Washington, DC. 123,683 are family households and 160,703 are non-family households. There are 59,173 households with children in Washington and 225,213 households without children. On average, about 2.3 people live in a household in Washington, DC. The median income of a Washington household living in Washington is $86,420 per year. The median housing costs per month are $1,707.

Education in Washington, DC

Though small in size, Washington, DC, is home to several major undergraduate and graduate institutions, including: American University, The Catholic University of America, The George Washington University, Georgetown University, and Howard University. Gallaudet University, the only U.S. university whose facilities and programs are designed to accommodate deaf or hard of hearing students, has its campus in Washington, DC. There are also three medical schools and six law schools within the city’s borders.

At the primary and secondary level, the DC public school system supports nearly 50,000 students. An additional 40,000 students attend the 114 tuition-free public charter schools in Washington, DC, which are operated by nonprofit organizations. Both the public and public charter schools may incorporate language immersion programs, arts education, and STEM curricula; and families in the DC area have many educational environments and opportunities to choose from.

Washington, DC Education Statistics

The level of education of the population of Washington, DC is as follows: 3% have no high school education, 24% completed some high school, 14% partially completed college, 3% have an Associate Degree, 25% have a Bachelor Degree, and 30% have a Graduate Degree.

Tips for renting in Washington, DC

The Washington Mayor’s office operates a tenant advocate office that is a useful resource for new renters in DC. If you are looking to rent in Washington, DC, be vigilant about your rights. For starters, you should be aware that DC landlords may legally only charge a maximum of one month’s rent for your security deposit.

Landlords may also implement automatic annual rent increases at a percentage determined by the Consumer Price Index, but may only do so once in a 12-month period and must provide written notice at least 30 days in advance of the increase. Your landlord is required by law to give you proper notice to vacate your property if an issue arises due to a violation of the lease, illegal activity, sale or conversion of the property, or renovations or demolition that would be unsafe to residents. Any clause in your lease that indicates you can be evicted without notice (unless it is for nonpayment of rent and you explicitly waived your right to receive notice in your lease) is otherwise invalid according to DC law.

RentCafe is your one-stop shop for finding a great new apartment in Washington, DC. Easily search through a wide selection of apartments for rent in Washington, DC, and view detailed information about available rentals including floor plans, pricing, photos, amenities, interactive maps, and thorough property descriptions. Property owners and managers are one click away, so feel free to contact them and find out all you need to know about the apartment you’re interested in. Browse Washington, DC apartments with rents starting from $1,075 and submit your rental application today!

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Apartments for Rent in Washington, DC 2,234 Rentals Available

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