Average Rent in Washington, DC (2026)
The average 1-bedroom rent in Washington, DC is $2,031/month as of 2026, based on HUD data across 214 ZIP codes. Rents have changed -2.5% year over year. Rents range from $1,010 to $3,020.
Average Rent · 1-Bedroom
$2,031/mo
Source: HUD Fair Market Rent · 214 zip codes
Year-over-Year
↓ -2.5%
Source: Apartment List, Zillow ZORI, HUD Fair Market Rent
Data through
The average 1-bedroom rent in Washington, DC is $2,031/month according to HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent data, covering 214 ZIP codes. Rents have decreased 2.5% year-over-year. The average 1-bedroom rent in Washington is 70% above the national average of $1,196/month.
Average rent in Washington, DC ranges from $1,010 to $3,020 across 214 ZIP codes.
Based on local market data, a fair rent increase in Washington, DC is approximately 2.5% for 2026. An increase above 2.5% exceeds the local market trend and may be worth negotiating.
Key Facts
Sources: Apartment List, Zillow ZORI, HUD Fair Market Rent, HUD SAFMR, Rentcast. Updated February 2026.
How much is rent in Washington, DC?
The average 1-bedroom rent in Washington, DC is $2,031/month as of 2026, based on HUD data across 214 ZIP codes. Rents range from $1,010 to $3,020 depending on neighborhood — a $2,010/month spread. To afford this at the 30% rule, a household would need approximately $81,240/year.
Is rent going up in Washington?
Rents in Washington have decreased 2.5% year over year based on local market data. Declining rents may give renters leverage when negotiating renewals.
What is a fair rent increase in Washington?
Based on local market data, a rent increase around 2.5% is in line with the Washington market for 2026. An increase above that level exceeds the local trend and may be worth pushing back on. Note: Washington, DC has rent increase protections — the cap is generally CPI + 2% (max 10%). Check your specific increase with RenewalReply's free rent analysis tool.
Rent Trends in Washington
-2.5%
Rents in Washington are cooling at -2.5% year-over-year.
− Estimated trend
Market sources range from -4.3% to -0.3%
Why the range? Zillow ZORI tracks what landlords are asking for units (-0.3%), while Apartment List tracks what renters actually sign leases at (-4.3%).Landlords are asking more than renters are paying — this suggests renters may have negotiating leverage in Washington right now.
Sources: Apartment List, Zillow ZORI, HUD Fair Market Rent
What Should Rent Cost in Washington?
Typical rent ranges based on HUD benchmarks and market data. In areas with limited listing data, ranges reflect federal benchmarks and may be wider than actual market conditions.
A studio in Washington typically rents for $1,969 – $2,127.
Rents above $2,446 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 1-bedroom in Washington typically rents for $2,031 – $2,193.
Rents above $2,522 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 2-bedroom in Washington typically rents for $2,266 – $2,447.
Rents above $2,814 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 3-bedroom in Washington typically rents for $2,861 – $3,090.
Rents above $3,553 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 4-bedroom in Washington typically rents for $3,360 – $3,629.
Rents above $4,173 are in the top 25% for this area.
Federal Rent Benchmarks for Washington
HUD Fair Market Rents are federal rent benchmarks published annually by HUD. They provide a consistent baseline for comparing rents across areas.
Studio
$1,969
HUD Fair Market Rent
1-Bedroom
$2,031
HUD Fair Market Rent
2-Bedroom
$2,266
HUD Fair Market Rent
3-Bedroom
$2,861
HUD Fair Market Rent
4-Bedroom
$3,360
HUD Fair Market Rent
Source: HUD SAFMR FY2026 · Updated
Zip Codes in Washington
Click any zip code for detailed rent data including zip-specific SAFMR rates, nearby comparables, and a free rent increase check.
| Zip Code | 1-BR SAFMR | YoY |
|---|---|---|
| 20003 | $3,020 | -5.0% |
| 20009 | $3,020 | -5.0% |
| 20390 | $3,020 | -5.0% |
| 20004 | $2,890 | -5.0% |
| 20037 | $2,890 | -5.0% |
| 20001 | $2,820 | -5.0% |
| 20059 | $2,820 | -5.0% |
| 20008 | $2,700 | -5.0% |
| 20005 | $2,610 | -5.0% |
| 20052 | $2,560 | -5.0% |
| 20889 | $2,430 | -2.3% |
| 22025 | $2,380 | +0.2% |
| 20024 | $2,350 | -5.0% |
| 20036 | $2,330 | -5.0% |
| 20422 | $2,320 | -5.0% |
| 22214 | $2,320 | -1.6% |
| 20016 | $2,280 | -5.0% |
| 22035 | $2,230 | -2.0% |
| 20002 | $2,220 | -5.0% |
| 20007 | $2,210 | -5.0% |
Showing top 20 of 214 zip codes.
SAFMR rates are zip-specific. YoY from Apartment List or Zillow ZORI where available.
How Does Washington Compare?
Questions about rent in Washington
What is the average 1-bedroom rent in Washington, DC?
The average 1-bedroom fair market rent in Washington, DC is $2,031/month as of 2026, based on HUD rent data across 214 ZIP codes in the city. This is 70% above the national average of $1,196/month. Rents range from $1,010 to $3,020 depending on ZIP code.
What is a fair rent increase in Washington?
A rent increase up to about 2.5% is broadly in line with the recent market trend in Washington. Increases above that level are above trend and should be tested against neighborhood-level pricing and comparable rentals. The current average 1-BR rent is $2,031/month.
Are rents going up or down in Washington?
Rents in Washington have decreased 2.5% year over year based on local market data. This reflects local market conditions across 214 ZIP codes in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD HUD Metro FMR Area area.
How much do rents vary across Washington?
1-bedroom rents across Washington range from $1,010 to $3,020 on this page, a $2,010/month spread. This shows that rent can vary materially across ZIP codes within the same city, reflecting neighborhood-level differences in housing stock and demand.
Can my landlord raise my rent in Washington?
In Washington, rent increases are regulated under Washington, DC protections. The maximum increase is generally CPI + 2% (max 10%). Landlords must also follow applicable state notice requirements before issuing a rent increase.
How much should I spend on rent in Washington?
The general guideline is to spend no more than 30% of your gross income on rent. With average 1-bedroom rent in Washington at $2,031/month, a household would need approximately $81,240/year in gross income to afford this comfortably. Many renters in high-cost areas spend above this threshold — our free tool can help you assess whether your specific rent is fair for your ZIP code.
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Renter Tools
Browse Washington ZIP Codes
See rent data by ZIP code in this city.
Renter Guides
- How to Negotiate a Rent Increase →
A data-driven guide with free email templates for pushing back on your landlord.
- Rent Increase Laws in District of Columbia →
See notice rules, caps, and tenant protections in District of Columbia.
- What Should I Pay for Rent? →
How to compare rent prices and know if you're getting a fair deal.
Market data updated monthly from public and third-party sources. Actual rents vary by unit, building, and lease terms. For informational purposes only — not legal or financial advice. See methodology →