10 Cheapest Places to Live in Washington D.C in 2025

8 mins read Feb 05, 2025
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Washington D.C attracts Americans from all over. And there’s a good reason why: Affordable healthcare, cheaper transport, and a thriving job market. You can’t go wrong with the Capital of the World State!

Although property prices have risen in recent years, the average home value in the top 10 cheapest cities is still only around $500,000. Chinatown’s cost of living is 33.6% lower than the national average, and Foggy Bottom is 24% more affordable than the rest of the country.

But that’s not all! Retirees can enjoy Dupont Circle’s friendly community and peaceful environment, with homes averaging a nominal $123K. Meanwhile, Judiciary Square offers a booming job market in education, healthcare, and technology, with median home prices at just $128,980.

👉 Washington DC Homes for Sale: Find your dream home in Washington DC’s most affordable cities!

Cheapest Places to Live in Washington D.C in 2025

Here’s our ranking of the most affordable places to live in Washington D.C. We’ve considered the average household income, median list price, median house rent, and the population of the cities.

CityMedian Home ValueMedian Household IncomePopulation
1. Foggy Bottom$384,624$149,47310,344
2. Dupont Circle$542,989$135,6499,373
3. Chinatown$439,090$153,73145,551
4. Mount Vernon Square $501,382$153,73145,551
5. Judiciary Square$462,850$51,4178,014
6. Adams Morgan$582,065$41,203 7,161
7. Logan Circle$598,155$101,3512,321
8. Brookland$679,972$635,505$635,505
9. Petworth$664,899$635,505$635,505
10. Columbia Heights$635,505135,649$7,161

10 Cheapest Places to Live in the District of Columbia

Here’s our list of 10 cities that offer affordable living options in the D.C State:

#1 Foggy Bottom

Source: Designed by Freepik
  • Median home value of Foggy Bottoms is $384,624.
  • Cost of living Foggy Bottoms is 5.2% cheaper than the D.C. average.

Foggy Bottom is a historic neighborhood known for its proximity to George Washington University and the Kennedy Center. This makes it ideal for young adults. The area is also home to the State Department and the World Bank, making it ideal for professionals. Besides, its easy access to popular spots like Founding Farmers and the Watergate Hotel makes this city appealing.

» Foggy Bottom Homes for Sale: Find your dream home in this city.

#2 Dupont Circle

  • Median home value of Dupont Circle is $542,989.
  • Cost of living Dupont Circle is 4.8% cheaper than the D.C. average.

 Dupont Circle known for its lively nightlife, art galleries, and the iconic Dupont Circle fountain. The area is also well-connected via the Metro, making it a convenient location for commuters. Dupont Circle is a cultural hub, hosting events like the Dupont Circle Festival and the Embassy Row House Tour.

» Dupont Circle Homes for Sale: Browse thousands of property listings in Dupont Circle.

#3 Chinatown

  • Median home value of Chinatown is $439,090.
  • Cost of living Chinatown is 6.1% cheaper than the D.C. average.

Chinatown is a bustling neighborhood known for its cultural landmarks, including the Friendship Arch and the Capital One Arena. You can enjoy concerts at the Visalia Fox Theatre or take a stroll through the delightful downtown area. The area offers a mix of affordable housing and modern amenities, making it a popular choice for young professionals and families.

» Chinatown Homes for Sale: Find a home in one of the cheapest places to live in Washington DC.

#4 Mount Vernon Square

  • Median home value of Mount Vernon Square is $501,382.
  • Cost of living Mount Vernon Square is 6.5% cheaper than the D.C. average.

Mount Vernon Square offers attractions like the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. is known for its vibrant arts scene, with venues like the Shakespeare Theatre Company and the CityMarket at O Street. Notably, it houses the historic Central Library of the District of Columbia, showcasing the city’s rich history. These combined factors make it an ideal place to live.

» Mount Vernon Square Homes for Sale: Find a home in one of the cheapest places to live in Washington DC.

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#5 Judiciary Square

  • Median home value of Judiciary Square is $462,850.
  • Cost of living Judiciary Square is 5.8% cheaper than the D.C average.

Judiciary Square is home to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and the National Building Museum, which hosts family-friendly events and exhibitions. The neighborhood is also close to Union Station, providing easy access to public transportation and Amtrak services. The area offers a mix of affordable housing and modern amenities, making it a popular choice for professionals and families.

» Judiciary Square Homes for Sale: Browse through thousands of properties in this dream city.

#6 Adams Morgan

  • Median home value of Adams Morgan is $582,065.
  • Cost of living Adams Morgan is 6% cheaper than the D.C. average.

The Median home price in Adams Morgan has increased by 0.2% since the last year. Adams Morgan, often abbreviated as AdMo, is a neighborhood situated in Northwest Washington, D.C. It’s renowned for its historical significance in counterculture and as an artsy area. Each second Sunday of September, locals and visitors alike can partake in Adams Morgan Day, an annual event filled with live music and diverse international cuisine.

» Adams Morgan Homes for Sale: Find a home in one of the cheapest places to live in Washington DC.

#7 Logan Circle

  • Median home value of Logan Circle is $598,155.
  • Cost of living Logan Circle is 5% cheaper than the D.C. average.

Logan Circle is one of the best places to live in Washington D.C. The average healthcare costs are 1% cheaper than the national average. This place is known for its historic architecture and monuments like the John Logan statue. You can also find several stylish boutiques, red brick storefronts, and performing venues. All of these venues are within a fairly walkable distance from each other.

» Logan Circle Homes for Sale: Get yourself a home in this city.

#8 Brookland

  • Median home value of Brookland is $679,972.
  • Cost of living Brookland is 7.2% cheaper than the D.C. average.

Brookland is a residential neighborhood known for its tree-lined streets and historic homes. The area is home to Catholic University and the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. This makes it a popular choice for families and students. Besides, Brookland Arts Walk is a popular spot for local artists and community events.

» Brookland Homes for Sale: Get yourself a home in this city.

#9 Petworth

  • Median home value of Petworth is $664,899.
  • Cost of living Petworth is 6.8% cheaper than the D.C. average.

Petworth is home to the historic Grant Circle and the Petworth Recreation Center, which offers sports facilities and community programs. The neighborhood is also known for its dining scene, including Himitsu and Timber Pizza Company. Petworth hosts the annual Petworth Jazz Project, a free outdoor concert series. This makes it a popular choice for young professionals and families.

» Petworth Homes for Sale: Get yourself a home in this city.

#10 Columbia Heights

  • Median home value of Columbia Heights is $635,505.
  • Cost of living Columbia Heights is 6.5% cheaper than the D.C. average.

Columbia Heights is home to the historic Tivoli Theatre and the Meridian Hill Park, which hosts drum circles and outdoor yoga classes. The neighborhood is also known for its shopping options, including the DC USA mall and local boutiques. Columbia Heights hosts the annual Fiesta D.C, a celebration of Latino culture with music, food, and dance.

 » Columbia Heights Homes for Sale: Get yourself a home in this city.

So, Where Is the Cheapest Place to Live in Washington D.C.?

You will find cheap houses for sale in Washington DC under 300K​ in cities like Foggy Bottom, Dupont Circle, and Chinatown. They offer stable job opportunities, and the cost of living is more affordable than other Washington DC cities.

Cities like Brookland and Petworth are slightly expensive but provide better job opportunities. You must research the home prices and living costs. Also, getting a mortgage pre-approval helps you stand out in the competition before buying a house in Washington D.C.

📢 Browse Cheap Houses for Sale in Washington D.C.

Here are a few options of cheap houses for sale in D.C.

Homes For Sale in District of Columbia under $100KHomes For Sale in District of Columbia under $150KHomes For Sale in District of Columbia under $200K
Homes For Sale in District of Columbia under $250KHomes For Sale in District of Columbia under $300KHomes For Sale in District of Columbia under $350K

Find an Affordable House With Houzeo

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Research Methodology for Cheapest Places to Live in D.C.

To rank the top cities in D.C., we analyzed all the regions, evaluating them based on specific criteria. Below is a breakdown of the factors used and the sources of information that informed our rankings.

  • Population: World Population Review  [1]
  • Median Home Price: Zillow [2]
  • Median Rent: Zillow [3]
  • Cost of Living: Rent Cafe [4]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest place to live in Washington D.C.?

The cheapest place to live in Washington D.C. is Foggy Bottom. It offers affordable healthcare, which is 6.9% lower than the national average.

» 10 Cheapest Places to Live in Washington D.C.: Find out the other cheapest places to live in Washington D.C.

Is D.C. expensive to live?

Yes, it is. The median home value is $603,762. If you're looking for cities with affordable housing and a low cost of living, you can try your luck in some of these cheapest places in America.

Where is the best place to live in D.C.?

The best place to live in Washington D.C. is Georgetown, followed by Petworth, Adams Morgan, Tacoma, Capitol Hill, Columbia Heights, and Dupont Circle.

Which D.C. city has the lowest cost of living?

Foggy Bottoms has the lowest cost of living, which is 13% lower than the D.C. average.