1-Bedroom Apartment Rent in Washington, DC
Median asking rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Washington, District of Columbia as of July 2026. That's +13% lower than the citywide median of $2,532 and +57% above the national 1-bedroom median of $1,395.
Income needed for a 1-bedroom in Washington
Using the standard 30% rent-to-income guideline (the threshold above which households are considered rent-burdened), here's what you need to earn to comfortably afford a 1-bedroom at the current median rent.
Rent by apartment size in Washington
Compare Washington's median rent across every apartment size.
Nearby cities — 1-bedroom rent
Considering nearby alternatives? 5 of these cities have cheaper 1-bedroom rents than Washington.
| City | Distance | 1-Bedroom rent | vs Washington |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chillum, MD | 4.5 mi | $1,419 | $-773 (-35%) |
| Takoma Park, MD | 5 mi | $1,343 | $-849 (-39%) |
| Brentwood, MD | 5.2 mi | $1,373 | $-819 (-37%) |
| Hyattsville, MD | 5.4 mi | $1,880 | $-312 (-14%) |
| Bladensburg, MD | 7.1 mi | $1,227 | $-965 (-44%) |
| Oxon Hill, MD | 7.9 mi | $1,608 | $-584 (-27%) |
| East Riverdale, MD | 8.4 mi | $1,620 | $-572 (-26%) |
| Kensington, MD | 8.8 mi | $2,120 | $-72 (-3%) |
| Silver Spring, MD | 8.9 mi | $1,624 | $-568 (-26%) |
| College Park, MD | 8.9 mi | $1,754 | $-438 (-20%) |
| Bethesda, MD | 9.4 mi | $2,730 | +$538 (+25%) |
| District Heights, MD | 10.5 mi | $1,293 | $-899 (-41%) |
1-Bedroom rent in Washington — common questions
How much is a 1-bedroom apartment in Washington?
As of July 2026, the median 1-bedroom apartment rent in Washington, District of Columbia is $2,192 per month. This is +13% below the citywide median of $2,532.
What income do you need to afford a 1-bedroom in Washington?
Using the standard 30% rent-to-income rule, you would need an annual income of about $87,680 ($7,307/month gross), which works out to roughly $42.15/hour at a full-time job.
Is Washington expensive for a 1-bedroom compared to the rest of the US?
Washington's 1-bedroom median of $2,192 is +57% above the national 1-bedroom median of $1,395. It ranks in the 89th percentile of US cities tracked.
How does Washington rank for 1-bedroom rent in District of Columbia?
Among the 1 cities in District of Columbia with 1-bedroom data, Washington ranks #1 from cheapest to most expensive.
Are there cheaper 1-bedroom options near Washington?
Yes — nearby cities with cheaper 1-bedroom rents include Chillum ($1,419), Takoma Park ($1,343), Brentwood ($1,373).