Can A Physical Therapist Afford Rent in Washington, DC?

Comfortably affordable — rent takes 24.4% of gross income.

Washington rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (District of Columbia state estimate).

Washington median rent
$2,532/mo
Physical Therapist salary (District of Columbia)
$124,638/yr
Rent as % of income
24.4%
Gross monthly income works out to about $10,387, and the 30% rule supports up to $3,116/mo in rent. Washington's median rent of $2,532 leaves roughly $584/mo of headroom under that threshold. A physical therapist works roughly 42.3 hours a month to cover that rent.

About rent and a physical therapist salary

Physical therapist pay covers comfortable rent across most US metros. At the national-average PT salary, the 30% rule supports about $2,493 a month in rent, which is above the median in most cities tracked here.

Compare with full rent data for Washington

View full rent data for Washington, DC

Frequently asked questions

Can a physical therapist afford rent in Washington, DC?

Median rent in Washington is $2,532 a month. A typical physical therapist in District of Columbia earns about $124,638 a year, which makes that rent 24.4% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is yes.

How much rent can a physical therapist afford in Washington?

Using the 30% rule, a physical therapist salary in District of Columbia (~$124,638/yr) supports up to $3,116 a month in rent. Washington's current median rent is $2,532/mo, which leaves a $584/mo buffer.

How many hours does a physical therapist work to cover rent in Washington?

At an hourly equivalent of about $60 an hour, a physical therapist in District of Columbia works roughly 42.3 hours a month to cover Washington's median rent of $2,532.

Methodology: Salary uses the BLS-derived District of Columbia state estimate from OEWS May 2024. Rent is the most recent ZORI monthly value for Washington, DC. Affordability applies the 30% rule (rent ≤ 30% of gross income). Real take-home varies with taxes, household composition, overtime, tips, and benefits.